A Welsh-language song will form part of the music schedule for the coronation of King Charles III making it the first Welsh song to be performed at a coronation. Coronation Kyrie composed by Paul Mealor will be sung by bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel and the Choir of Westminster Abbey in the service on Saturday, May 6.
The King commissioned 12 new pieces of music for his coronation: six orchestral, five choral, and one organ commission, all from world-renowned British composers. The works include a new Coronation Anthem by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a Coronation March by Scottish film composer Patrick Doyle who created the score for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
At Charles' request the orchestral commissions will be performed by the Coronation Orchestra whose membership comprises some of the world’s greatest musicians drawn from eight leading orchestras, including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Welsh National Opera Orchestra.
Read more: What time is the King's coronation ceremony and when is BBC's Coronation Concert?
The Coronation Orchestra will be joined by the Royal Harpist Alis Huws for Sir Karl Jenkins’ Tros y Garreg. A statement regarding the piece on the official Royal Family website reads: “Reflecting The King’s abiding affection for and support of Welsh culture, the piece is a new arrangement of Jenkins; beloved and emotional setting of a Welsh folk song, a luxuriant combination of harp and strings, commissioned by the then Prince of Wales over two decades ago.”
Speaking on Coronation Kyrie, the first Welsh-Language piece, Mr Mealor said: “It is a meditative, introspective piece based on a blend between Gregorian chant and Cerdd Dant (Welsh Penillion singing – an important part of eisteddfodau). I was inspired by the great Welsh tunes – Aberystwyth, Cwm Rhondda, Ar Lan Y Môr – and the composition is coloured by the harmonies of these songs. It is a cry from the deep soul of the hills and valleys of Wales for hope, peace, love, and friendship.”
As well as taking part in the ceremony Sir Bryn Terfel also has a big role in the BBC Coronation Concert that will air at 8pm on Sunday, May 7. The star, who is a Grammy, Classical Brit, and Gramophone award winner will perform a duet with maestro Andrea Bocelli at the concert.
Sir Bryn said: “Having sung at numerous events that were connected to the patronages King Charles held as the Prince of Wales it is an incredible honour to be singing now at the coronation of His Majesty The King Charles III. I am also delighted to be performing at the celebratory concert in Windsor – another opportunity for me to sing with my great friend and colleague, the wonderful Italian tenor, maestro Andrea Bocelli.”
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