Music has always played an important role in the ceremonial pomp and pageantry of all the magnificent Coronations which have taken place in Westminster Abbey since 1066. From the flamboyant trumpet fanfares to the soaring sounds of the organ and choirs, the rousing marching brass bands and orchestra, music communicates all the emotions, the joy, triumph,
solemnity, and splendour of these great occasions.
Music by acclaimed composers such as George Frideric Handel, Sir Edward Elgar, Sir William Walton, and Ralph Vaughan Williams has historically featured in the Coronation ceremonies over the past four centuries and will be performed again along with twelve newly commissioned pieces of music.
Six orchestral commissions, five choral commissions and one organ commission, have been specially composed for the occasion by world-renowned British composers whose work includes Classical, Sacred, Film, Television and Musical Theatre. Commissioned works include a new Coronation Anthem by Andrew Lloyd Webber, a Coronation March by Patrick Doyle, a new commission for solo organ embracing musical themes from countries across the Commonwealth by Iain Farrington plus new works by Sarah Class, Nigel Hess,
Paul Mealor, Tarik O'Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J. Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams, and Debbie Wiseman.
The musical programme chosen by The King, will be reflective, joyful, and full of personal references, including Greek Orthodox music as a tribute to his late father His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The Coronation will showcase musical talent from across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth representing inclusivity and diversity. A range of musical styles and performers will blend tradition, heritage, and ceremony with new musical voices of today, reflecting The King’s life-long love and support of music and the arts to promote peace, unity and understanding.
Reference: https://www.royal.uk/coronation-music-commissions
