King Charles III Commissions Twelve New Works for Upcoming Coronation

A range of British composers, including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Iain Farrington, will contribute music for the occasion

Twelve new works, including six orchestral pieces, five choral pieces, and one organ piece, have been commissioned for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, which is due to take place on May 6, 2023.

The Coronation Anthem will be written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, while Patrick Doyle will contribute an opening Coronation March. Iain Farrington will compose the singular organ work, which is to contain musical themes from many of the countries of the Commonwealth.

Further commissioned composers include Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O'Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J. Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams, and Debbie Wiseman.

All aspects of the coronation's music will be overseen by Andrew Nethsingha, the incoming Organist and Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey. Sir Antonio Pappano will conduct the Coronation Orchestra, to be made up of players drawn from orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

There will also be several musical nods to King Charles's heritage and history. Royal Harpist Alis Huws will join the Coronation Orchestra for the occasion in recognition of the monarch's long association with Wales, and the service will also feature Greek Orthodox music — as requested by the late Prince Philip.

"All Coronation Services are a mixture of deep-rooted tradition and contemporary innovation," said Andrew Nethsingha. "As was the case in the four twentieth-century Coronations, the choice of music reflects the cultural breadth of the age in which we live. It has been a privilege to collaborate with His Majesty in choosing fine musicians and accessible, communicative music for this great occasion."

"I am deeply honored to have been chosen by His Majesty to participate in the musical presentations that will embrace the historic occasion of his Coronation," said Sir Antonio Pappano. "His Majesty has chosen a most beautiful and varied program that I believe will enhance the splendor of this very special celebration."