Have you ever wondered what kind of music plays during a royal coronation ceremony?
On May 6, 2023, King Charles III will be crowned at Westminster Abbey, and a diverse range of music will fill the historic cathedral. Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer of iconic musicals like Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, has written the anthem for the coronation. It is one of a dozen new pieces commissioned by the King, with works by artists from all four of the United Kingdom's constituent nations, the Commonwealth, and foreign countries that have sent people to its shores.
The program blends traditional and modern music to reflect modern Britain's cultural breadth. It features older compositions from renowned composers like George Frideric Handel, William Byrd, and Ralph Vaughan Williams, along with new works by contemporary artists such as Karl Jenkins, Paul Mealor, and Tarik O'Regan. Additionally, there will be personal touches, including a musical tribute to King Charles III's late father, Prince Philip, featuring Greek Orthodox music.
The coronation music will span different genres, including classical, sacred, film, television, and musical theater. The program's creators hope to make the ceremony accessible to everyone, and they have emphasized the joyousness of the occasion. It promises to be a historic and unforgettable musical celebration.