Royal Wedding Music

There have been numerous rumours though, but the people of the palace are keeping their lips sealed. But of course we can take educated guesses as to what hymns, choral works and new pieces will be performed. But Christopher Warren-Green, music director and conductor of the London Chamber Orchestra, says that we will all just have to wait and see. He does however say: "All I can tell you is that the music will be extremely beautiful, and fitting." and the young couple have "very, very good taste." Of course we would expect nothing less of Prince William and Kate.

According to the official Royal Wedding Website, http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org, two choirs, one orchestra and two fanfare teams will perform the music for the Royal Wedding Service at Westminster Abbey on April 29th. These are:

• The Chapel Royal Choir

• The London Chamber Orchestra

• The Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force

• The State Trumpeters of The Household Cavalry

We have to keep in mind that the Royal Family are culturally conservative and although the young couple were very firm as to what they want, both Prince Charles and Kate's parents also had a say in the Royal Wedding Music choice. Therefore I don't think we should expect any surprizes, but rather a conservative, traditional and very English selection.

Some more speculation includes the following:

Composer Hubert Parry's Jerusalem (adapted from a William Blake poem), or his "I Was Glad "
A newly commissioned piece by John Rutter and/or John Tavener
Pieces by Handel, William Byrd and Henry Purcell
The hymn, I Vow To Thee, My Country (which featured in Diana's wedding to Prince Charles and which was also played at her funeral)

It has also been officially confirmed that Claire Jones, the Official Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales will perform Royal Wedding Music at the Reception hosted by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace.