Which orchestras are playing at King Charles’ coronation?

IN just a few days King Charles will be crowned at Westminster Abbey.

Here we take a look at what orchestras will play at the coronation on May 6.

Which orchestras will play at the coronation?

Philharmonia Orchestra

The Philharmonia Orchestra is based in London.

It was founded in 1945 by Walter Legge, a classical music record producer for EMI.

It has commissioned more than 100 compositions and gives over 160 concerts a year.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is a British symphony orchestra based in London and was established by Thomas Beecham in 1946.

They perform approximately 200 concerts a year.

Since the start of 2021, the orchestra's musical director has been Vasily Petrenko.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is one of the BBC's five professional radio orchestras.

For over 90 years, the Orchestra has played a distinctive role as both a broadcast and national symphony orchestra.

Since 2020 the chief conductor has been Ryan Bancroft.

Regina Symphony Orchestra

The Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO) was founded by Frank Laubach in 1908.

The orchestra performs over 30 concerts every season.

Five members of the orchestra were invited to a very private party at Buckingham Palace following their performance for King Charles on his 70th birthday.

This is the only orchestra in Canada to have had that honour.

English Chamber Orchestra

The English Chamber Orchestra (ECO) regularly plays concerts at Cadogan Hall.

It was founded in 1948 by Lawrence Leonard and Arnold Goldsbrough.

The Orchestra has been chosen to record soundtracks for many well-known films including Dario Marianelli’s prizewinning scores for Atonement, Pride and Prejudice, and several James Bond movies.

Scottish Chamber Orchestra

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) is an Edinburgh-based UK chamber orchestra.

It was formed in 1974, with Roderick Brydon as its first Principal Conductor, from 1974 to 1983.

The orchestra is made up of a unique collection of talented musicians of all ages.

Royal Opera House Orchestra

The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House was founded in 1946 as the Covent Garden Orchestra.

It became its current title in 1968 when The Royal Opera received a Royal Charter.

The orchestra records regularly with both The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera. 

In 2019 they won Opera Orchestra of the Year in the International Opera Awards.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra

The Welsh National Opera (WNO) is based in Cardiff.

The orchestra began as an amateur body in 1946 before transforming into an all-professional ensemble by 1973.

Since 2019, Aidan Lang has led the company as its General Director.

What music will be played at the coronation?

King Charles has commissioned twelve new pieces of music for his coronation which include six orchestral, five choral and one organ.

Musical theatre legend Andrew Lloyd Webber will provide an anthem, while His Majesty has asked for Greek Orthodox music to be played in a heartwarming nod to his late father, who was born in Greece.

A handpicked gospel choir called The Ascension Choir will perform, as will the Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of His Majesty's Chapel Royal, St James's Palace.

Iain Farrington has also commissioned a solo organ incorporating musical themes from countries across the Commonwealth.