Anthem by Andrew Lloyd Webber one of 12 new pieces of music for coronation
19.02.2023 - 02:13
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
An anthem composed by songwriting legend Andrew Lloyd Webber will be one of 12 new pieces created for the King's coronation later this year, it has been revealed.
King Charles has personally curated a programme of music to accompany the historic day, which has been designed to showcase a range of musical talent and styles from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
His coronation is set to take place on May 6 at Westminster Abbey, and is also expected to showcase Greek Orthodox music in tribute to his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died in 2021.
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Lloyd-Webber, who is known for his work including The Phantom Of The Opera, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar, described himself as “incredibly honoured” to have been asked to compose a new anthem.
“My anthem includes words slightly adapted from Psalm 98," he said. "I have scored it for the Westminster Abbey choir and organ, the ceremonial brass and orchestra. I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion.”
A Coronation March has been composed by Patrick Doyle, while a piece by Iain Farrington for the solo organ takes in musical themes from countries across the Commonwealth.
There will also be new works by Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O’Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams, and Debbie Wiseman.
A number of choirs - including the hand-picked Ascension Choir - will also join the service, along with bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, soprano Pretty Yende, and baritone Roderick Williams as soloists.
Andrew Nethsingha, organist and master of the choristers at Westminster Abbey, is taking charge of the musical arrangements and