What music will be heard at the coronation?
THE order of service for the King’s coronation has revealed the music chosen for the event.
It combines the old and the new – with a specially written piece by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
What music will be heard at the coronation?
The King has personally selected the music to be included in his May 6, 2023, ceremony.
It features 12 new compositions, written especially for the occasion, including a new anthem by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Lloyd Webber said: “My anthem includes words slightly adapted from Psalm 98.
“I have scored it for the Westminster Abbey choir and organ, the ceremonial brass and orchestra.
“I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion.”
King Charles’ coronation will also feature six orchestral commissions, five choral pieces and one for organ.
Master of the King’s Music, Judith Weir, has written Brighter Visions Shine Afar, which will be played by the Coronation Orchestra prior to the arrival of the King and Queen.
Sir Karl Jenkins’ Tros y Garreg with royal harpist Alis Huws, and Sacred Fire by Sarah Class and sung by Pretty Yende, will also be played.
Iain Farrington’s organ commission is called Voices Of The World.
Film composer Patrick Doyle has written a ceremonial march, entitled King Charles III Coronation March, and one if His Majesty’s favourite hymns, Be Thou My Vision – Triptych for Orchestra, is a commission from three composers.
Other music includes a series of fanfares by Christopher Robinson, and performed by the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Royal Air Force.
After the greeting and introduction by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Paul Mealor’s Kyrie Eleison will be performed in Welsh by Sir Bryn Terfel and the Choir of Westminster Abbey.
A two-part composition, Alleluia (O Clap your Hands) and Alleluia (O Sing Praises), based on Psalm 47 by Debbie Wiseman will be sung by The Ascension Choir.
The traditional coronation anthems will be played, including Hubert Parry’s anthem I Was Glad, which will herald the entry of Charles and Camilla, into the Abbey.
Other music includes Roxanna Panufnik’s Sanctus and Tarik O’Regan’s Agnus Dei.
Weelkes’ anthem O Lord, Grant The King A Long Life, will be sung along with Prevent Us, O Lord by William Byrd, Mass for Four Voices, also by Byrd, Handel’s Zadok The Priest, and Confortare by Walford-Davies.
Hymns include Veni Creator Spiritus, Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation, and Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven.
In a nod to his late father, Prince Philip, the King has requested Greek Orthodox music to be performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble.
Who will sing at the coronation service?
During the coronation service, soloists Pretty Yende, Roderick Williams, and Peter Holder will sing.
Sir Bryn Terfel will sing a Welsh language song.
A small group called The Monteverdi Choir will be performing with Andrew Nethsingha conducting, who has served as the Organist and Master of the Choristers of Westminster Abbey since 2023.
The conductor Antonio Pappano a British-Italian Conductor is also set to conduct at the King’s Coronation.
A handpicked gospel choir called The Ascension Choir will perform, as will the Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace.
Female choristers from the Chapel Choir of Methodist College, Belfast, and from Truro Cathedral Choir will also take part.
What hymns will be heard at King Charles’ coronation?
The only hymn to be sung by the congregation is the traditional classic Praise My Soul The King of Heaven.
The Offertory Hymn, Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation, will be sung by the choir.
The traditional hymn by Veni Creator will also be sung by the choir.