Welsh soprano Elin to perform at royal wedding
WELSH soprano Elin Manahan Thomas has been chosen to perform at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle next month.
Best known for her performances of Baroque music, the mother of two is among the line-up announced for the royal wedding service at Windsor Castle on May 19.
Born in Gorseinon, near Swansea, Elin, 41, has performed at concert halls around the world and her career highlights include the 2012 Paralympics opening ceremony in London and the Doctor Who Proms to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the series. It is not yet known what she will be singing on Harry and Meghan’s big day but she’s among a group of artists and choral groups announced for the special occasion.
She’s not the first Welsh performer at a royal wedding – former royal harpist Claire Jones had the honour at the marriage ceremony of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge seven years ago.
Harry and Meghan have selected gospel singers alongside beautiful Baroque pieces for their special day.
Joining Elin will be trumpeter David Blackadder, a Baroque specialist, who is the principal trumpet with both the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of Ancient Music, and who will play with The Orchestra.
The Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green, comprises musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia.
Other performers include cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a rising star of the classical music world. The 19-year-old winner of the BBC Young Musician 2016 award said: “I’m so excited and honoured to perform at Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle’s wedding.
“I was bowled over when Ms Markle called me to ask if I would play during the ceremony, and of course I immediately said yes.”
The chapel will also echo to the gospel sounds of the Kingdom Choir, founded and directed by Karen Gibson.
Ms Gibson, who will lead her group during the service, said: “The Kingdom Choir is truly honoured.
“It will be a moment that we will always treasure.”