Buckingham Palace has announced more detail regarding the 12 new compositions written for the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey on 6 May. 

Overseen by King Charles himself, the program offers contemporary arrangements and interpretations of centuries of British musical tradition. Composers from classical, film, sacred and musical theatre backgrounds have provided their expertise to create a diverse program. 

Westminster Abbey. Photo WikiCommons.

Six commissions are to be performed before Their Majesties’ arrival at the Abbey. First will be Brighter Visions Shine Afar, a short overture by Judith Weir, Master of The King’s Music, to be performed by the Coronation Orchestra under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano, Music director for the Royal Opera House, and led by Vaski Vassilev. “The opening passage highlights the horns, an instrument historically associated in music and art with nobility,” said Weir. “The title borrowed from the Christmas hymn Angels from the Realms of Glory and the optimistic rising scales of the music suggest renewal and hope for the future.” 

Royal Harpist Alis Huws will perform with The Coronation Orchestra for...