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Andrew Lloyd Webber writes an anthem for the coronation of King Charles III

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Andrew Lloyd Webberthe English composer who created the soundtracks for hit musicals such as ‘Cats’, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Evita’ has now written the coronation anthem of King Carlos III adapting a church piece that encourages singers to make a “happy noise”.

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Webber’s work is part of a dozen new pieces that the monarch commissioned for the grand occasion, which will take place on 6 May at Westminster Abbey. It includes words adapted from Psalm 98 and is written especially for the abbey choir and organ.

“I hope my anthem reflects this joyous occasion”Webber said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.

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Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the music for famous musicals such as

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the music for famous musicals such as ‘Cats’ and ‘Evita’. Photo: AP

The program for the king’s coronation ceremony includes old music and new compositions, right from the palace tries to combine traditional and modern elements reflecting the realities of modern Britain.

The new pieces were composed by artists with roots in the four constituent nations of the UK, as well as the Commonwealth and other countries.

The service will include works by William Byrd (1543-1623), George Frideric Handel (1685-1759), Edward Elgar (1857-1934), Henry Walford Davies (1869-1941), William Walton (1902-1983), Hubert Parry ( 1848-1918) and Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), whose music has appeared at previous coronations, together with a piece by the contemporary Welsh composer Karl Jenkins.

There will also be new work from Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik ORegan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J. Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams and Debbie Wiseman.

The decision to merge the old and the new reflects the cultural breadth of the age we live in, explained Andrew Nethsingha, organist and choirmaster at Westminster Abbey.

Coronations have taken place at Westminster Abbey since 1066. It has been a privilege to collaborate with Her Majesty in choosing excellent musicians and accessible and communicative music for this grand occasion,” added Nethsingha.

The program will also include personal touches including a musical tribute to Charles’ late father, Prince Philip, born as a Greek prince. The new monarch has requested Greek Orthodox music, to be performed by the Byzantine Song Ensemble.

Handel’s Zadok the Priest will also be included. The anthem, with its robust refrain of God Save the King, has been played at every coronation since it was commissioned for the accession of King George II in 1727.

Source: Clarin

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