King Charles will soon have his own theme song.
Buckingham Palace has announced that Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, the British-born composer of such classic Broadway shows as “Cats” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” will be writing the coronation anthem for the monarch. The May 6 Westminster Abbey ceremony is expected to be attended by many global leaders, along with “other royals from around the world,” according to the BBC.
In a statement, Lloyd Webber said, “I am incredibly honoured to have been asked to compose a new anthem for The Coronation.” He added that his anthem will include “words slightly adapted from Psalm 98” and will be scored “for the Westminster Abbey choir and organ, the ceremonial brass and orchestra.”
“I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion,” Lloyd Webber said.
A number of other composers will be contributing music, including a coronation march, for the event, Buckingham Palace announced. The palace also said that, at the request of King Charles, Greek Orthodox music will be featured in recognition of the monarch’s late father, Prince Philip, who was born in Greece.
Lloyd Webber has been especially busy of late. He’s readying his newest musical, “Bad Cinderella,” for its Broadway opening on March 23. Meanwhile, “The Phantom of the Opera” will conclude its 35-year Broadway run on April 16.
