The coronation of King Charles III is set to be a historic event, and many artists have come together to contribute to the festivities. Classical crossover artists have a long history of performing for the Royals. Olga Thomas, a pianist and composer, has especially been prolific in creating musical gifts to mark key moments for the royal family. Due to crossover’s ability to bring a sense of tradition and modern musical elements together it is an ideal soundtrack for the coronation itself. Here is a list of some of the music to look out for this weekend:
May 4th, “His Noble Crown” Single
Classical composer Olga Thomas and soprano Joanna Forest have released a new single called “His Noble Crown” on May 4th. The proceeds from the single will be divided equally between Cruse Bereavement Support and Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity. Thomas and Forest have collaborated on four singles so far, with three reaching number one in the classical single charts. The two artists have expressed their excitement at being a “dream team” and share a deep admiration and passion for the Royal family and the supported charities.
Download “His Noble Crown” on iTunes.
May 5th “Peace” EP
Alexis Ffrench, a composer, pianist and producer, has released an EP that features five soul-stirring tracks, including original compositions inspired by nature and arranged versions of Bach’s Sheep May Safely Graze and Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. The EP is not only a celebration of nature but also a call to action to protect the planet for future generations. Alexis has been invited to perform at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert on May 7, reflecting his shared outlook on life with the king to protect the planet. All proceeds from the EP will go to the World Land Trust, a charity that protects the world’s threatened habitats.
Stream “Peace” on Spotify now!
May 5th, Celebratory Concert at Chester Cathedral
One of the early and most successful crossover artists, Russell Watson will perform a concert at the Chester Cathedral on May 5th, the eve of King Charles III’s coronation. In a message on his Facebook page Russell stated, “This majestic location is the perfect backdrop for what will be a night of classical, operatic and sacred arias, with some pomp and circumstance thrown in for good measure.”
May 6th, New Music Commissioned for the Coronation
According to ABC News, twelve new musical works have been commissioned to celebrate the coronation itself, which will take place on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey. The music will range from traditional British works to contemporary arrangements, with six new orchestral pieces being played before the king and queen’s arrival. The service will feature five new commissions and will include works by composers from diverse backgrounds in classical, film, sacred and musical theater. The Coronation Orchestra, conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano, will be composed of members from eight leading orchestras of The Prince of Wales’ Patronages across the UK and Canada.
Composers include Judith Weir, Sir Karl Jenkins, Alis Huws, Debbie Wiseman, Sarah Class, and more with the main coronation theme itself arranged by film composer Patrick Doyle.
We are especially looking forward to the collaboration between Sarah Class (check out our interview with her about her album “Green Man”) and soprano Pretty Yende on a piece called “Sacred Fire.” Sarah is a brilliant composer with a gift for writing memorable melodies and combined with Pretty colorful and lilting soprano is sure to be remembered as a highlight of the coronation ceremony for years to come.
May 7th, Songs of Praise pays tribute
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Best-selling Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins announced via her Instagram that she had filmed a special episode of BBC’s “Songs of Praise” themed to celebrate the coronation and new King. Audiences will be able to tune in on Sunday May 7th at 12 PM BST to watch the episode.
May 7th, King Charles official coronation celebration concert
Following the coronation there is a celebratory concert planned featuring many renowned musical acts. The concert will be held at Windsor Castle and tickets were won by the public via a lottery system. According to the Telegraph, the concert will feature crossover’s most famous voice. Andrea Bocelli will bring his operatic voice alongside Bryn Terfel, Lang Lang and a newly formed choir featuring performers from across Britain.
The contributions of these crossover artists to the coronation highlights the power of music to bring people together. By blending different genres and styles, they are able to create a sound that transcends boundaries and speaks to people of all backgrounds. Their work is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the UK, and a reminder of the importance of artistic expression in times of celebration and joy.
