Gospel choir to perform soul classic as wedding music revealed
THE royal wedding will feature the uplifting sounds of a gospel choir singing the soul classic Stand By Me and a song popular in African American churches.
St George’s Chapel’s lofty heights normally reverberate to traditional choral music but the Kingdom Choir, directed by its founder Karen Gibson, is expected to put on an inspirational performance.
The gospel choices are likely to be down to Meghan Markle, who appears to have brought the sounds of her American homeland to the Gothic chapel.
After the US bishop Michael Curry gives the address, the gospel choir will perform Stand By Me, made famous by singer Ben E King but also sung by Beatle John Lennon.
When the bride and groom walk through the chapel after they are married, the gospel choir, who will be positioned at the west end of the place of worship, will sing the gospel classic Amen/This Little Light of Mine, the Etta James’s version.
The newlyweds will begin their journey along the aisle with a contrasting piece of music from 18thcentury English composer William Boyce, his symphony no.1 in B-flat, which has a triumphant celebratory tone.
Other highlights from the music chosen by Harry and Meghan include the song which is affectionately known as the Welsh rugby hymn – Bread of Heaven – or Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer.
The music due to be played before the service begins work by Sir Hubert Parry, Sir Edward Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst and Johann Sebastian Bach.
As the bride and groom sign the register, teenage cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a rising star of the classical music world, will perform three pieces - by Faure, Schubert and Maria Theresia von Paradis, with the Orchestra - which includes musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia.