Music fit for a king! On coronation weekend, join the Royal Choral Society for a choral music extravaganza as it celebrates the crowning of our new king and marks the choir’s own 150th anniversary. If you sing, then you’ll be able join in Beltissimo for Parry’s coronation anthem I Was Glad, (Download sheet music here) together with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the mighty 9,999-pipe organ, all under the baton of the choir’s Music Director, Richard Cooke.

Since its inaugural concert in the Hall on 8 May 1872, the Royal Choral Society – named by Queen Victoria herself – has been conducted by some of the world’s greatest composers, including Verdi, Dvořák and Elgar. This celebratory afternoon concert will showcase the highlights of their choral repertoire, alongside music by Handel, Mozart, Coleridge-Taylor, Rachmaninoff and Panufnik, plus a few surprises along the way. Parry’s I Was Glad will bring the concert to a glorious finale, with a choir on stage and in the auditorium of more than 1000 voices.

After the Covid woes, let’s celebrate our new king, revel in the sheer joy of singing and raise the roof of London’s favourite venue!

Programme

Handel Zadok the Priest
Mozart Ave Verum Corpus
Dvorak Eia Mater from Stabat Mater
Verdi Dies Irae from Requiem
Elgar Nimrod from Enigma Variations
Elgar Praise to the Holiest from The Dream of Gerontius
Handel Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah
Holst The Hymn of Jesus
Coleridge-Taylor Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast (excerpt)
Panufnik Cradle Song
Rachmaninoff Bogoroditse Dyevo from All Night Vigil
Part Bogoroditse Dyevo
Parry I Was Glad (Download sheet music here)

Performers

Royal Choral Society
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Zeb Soanes presenter
Richard Cooke conductor
Richard Pearce organist