Coronation concert will be tailored to suit King’s tastes

A CORONATION concert is being planned to appeal to the King’s love of classical music, The Telegraph understands.

An avid and lifelong supporter of the arts, Charles has often spoken of the joy he experiences when classical music is incorporated into special occasions, so the concert to be held at Windsor Castle on Sunday May 7, the day after the Coronation, will be orchestral – in a departure from the rock and pop extravaganzas that celebrated many milestones of the late Queen’s reign. It will be organised by the BBC in consultation with the Royal household and the King is said to be “involved and engaged in” all aspects of it.

A royal source said of the concert: “There is no doubt that they want to put on something the King, and other members of the Royal family, will enjoy.”

A 74-piece orchestra comprising the Massed Bands of the Household Division will take the lead at the concert. The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra will also take part.

The musicians will accompany “some of the world’s biggest entertainers”, when they perform on the castle’s East Lawn.

“The backdrop will be stunning,” a source said. “It will be very orchestral. Party at the Palace, for the Platinum Jubilee, had such an eclectic line-up. The performers appeared with their own instruments and brought their own bands. This will be different but equally magical.”

A highlight of the show will be the performance of the Coronation Choir, a diverse group drawing together community choirs including refugees, NHS groups, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf-signing choirs.