T

he Coronation Orchestra will be joined by the Royal Harpist, Alis Huws, for Sir Karl Jenkins’ ‘Tros y Garreg (Crossing the Stone)’. 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. As The Prince of Wales, The King revived the traditional role of the Royal Harpist in 2000.

Classical and film composer Sarah Class was commissioned by The former Prince of Wales in 2021 to compose the anthem for His Majesty’s Terra Carta environmental initiative. For the Coronation, Class’s ‘Sacred Fire’, which will be performed by acclaimed South African soprano Pretty Yende, conjures imagery from the Bible with its powerful lyrics. Through music, the composition evokes a bridge between the angelic and human realms.

Sarah Class said: “It is a vision of the freedom and protection of all beings, and of the abundance and beauty of our natural world. Above all, the song is a celebration of love, faith and unity, both lyrics and music reflecting the sacred flame of the soul, ever present within all beings and all things.”

Based on one of His Majesty's favourite hymns, ‘Be Thou my Vision - Triptych for Orchestra’ is a commission from a trio of composers, Nigel Hess, Roderick Williams and Shirley J Thompson, who have each created contemporary musical responses to the Irish hymn and skilfully woven them together into a single work.

Nigel Hess begins the piece with an opening horn call inspired by the acoustics of Westminster Abbey which introduces a stirring rendition for the full orchestra. This gently subsides into a slow rhapsody by Roderick Williams based on the iconic shapes of the Slane melody of the hymn, concealing a musical cryptogram of His Majesty’s name. A sparkling fanfare launches the final section, by Shirley J Thompson, with undulating triplets supporting variations of the melody that are intricately woven throughout, leading to a triumphant and celebratory ending.

Earlier this year, His Majesty paid tribute to the diversity of the Commonwealth, and Iain Farrington’s organ commission, ‘Voices of the World’, is a celebratory, joyful musical offering which combines traditional tunes from across the family of nations. The music is “all mixed together in a joyful, jazzy and dance-like character”. Farrington hopes “it will get people's toes tapping!”

Following the footsteps of tradition, ‘King Charles III Coronation March’ has been written by film composer Patrick Doyle. Composed to celebrate the life of His Majesty, the March will commence with a bold, heraldic opening, which is ceremonial and full of pageantry. The following section moves forward at pace, reflecting the passing of time, and carrying a strong Celtic influence.

The third part of the March is joyous, before a romantic and reflective sequence which will build to a triumphant finale. Speaking about the March, Patrick Doyle said: “The composition can be described as an Overture March in that it tells a story, and at times reflects aspects of His Majesty’s own character. Overall, the piece is jubilant and uplifting. It is written to embrace the excitement and celebration of the historic day.”