King Charles has personally chosen the music for his coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May. On the programme are twelve newly-commissioned pieces of music, showcasing composers from across the UK and the commonwealth. These include a new Coronation Anthem by Andrew Lloyd Webber, a Coronation March by Patrick Doyle, a new work for solo organ embracing musical themes from countries across the Commonwealth by Iain Farrington, along with new compositions. In total there will be six pieces for orchestra, five choral works and one instrumental work. Lloyd-Webber, whose anthem will be set to the Biblical text of Psalm 98, has said that he hopes his anthem will reflect a 'joyful occasion.' Commenting on the programme, Andrew Nethsingha said, 'All Coronation Services are a mixture of deep-rooted tradition and contemporary innovation. 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. Coronations have taken place in Westminster Abbey since 1066. It has been a privilege to collaborate with His Majesty in choosing fine musicians and accessible, communicative music for this great occasion.'
Coronations have taken place in Westminster Abbey since 1066.