Guildhall alumni play major part in King Charles III’s Coronation celebrations

We are incredibly proud of all those in the Guildhall School community who took part in celebrations for Coronations of Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen Consort on Saturday 6 May.

“To be able to see so many friends, colleagues and alumni playing their part in the coronation was something of which we are really proud.  Their work was the embodiment of Guildhall School’s role at the heart of the UK’s remarkable music and performing arts training.” Professor Jonathan Vaughan FGS, Principal, Guildhall School

Alumni Sir Bryn Terfel CBE FGS and Roderick Williams OBE FGS performed at Westminster Abbey.  Roderick Williams’ composition, a contemporary response to the hymn Be Thou My Vision, also received its premiere at the service.

Also involved last Saturday’s coronation were Guildhall School alumna Debbie Wiseman OBE FGS and Honorary Fellow Judith Weir HonFGS, Master of The King’s Music, who were both commissioned to compose for this special occasion. 

Guildhall alumni Corinne Bailey, James Buckle, Alexander Edmundson, Huw Evans, Matthew Gee, Daniel Newell, Toby Street, Helen Vollam, and Kaitlin Wild performed in the Strauss Brass Ensemble. 

Alumni Chloe Boireau, Steven Hudson, Sacha Johnson, Tetsumi Nagata, Nadine Nigl and Vasko Vassilev played in the Coronation Orchestra alongside tutor Stephanie Gonley FGS.

The continuing celebration last Sunday saw alumnus Alexis Ffrench starring in the King Charles III’s Coronation Concert taking place at Windsor Castle.

In addition, our Campaign Chair, consultant surgeon and composer, Professor Christopher Wood MD FRCSEd FLSW LMRCO wrote a new parish anthem God Save the King to celebrate the coronation of Kings Charles III. The work has been offered to choirs across the country and is an open invitation for singers everywhere to join in and celebrate this moment of national significance.

Congratulations to you all!

We are proud to celebrate those alumni who keep us informed of their work.  If you know of someone who was involved in the Coronation and is not mentioned in this article, please email alumni@gsmd.ac.uk