2012 Paralympics Composer Named Master of the King’s Music

The King has appointed Errollyn Wallen, a renowned composer associated with the London 2012 Paralympic Games, as the new Master of the King’s Music.

Wallen, who was born in Belize and is currently 66 years old, has also composed pieces for the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II. The composer, pianist, and singer-songwriter has the distinction of being the first woman to win an Ivor Novello Award for classical music and the first black woman to have her work performed at the Proms.

In 2022, she ranked among the top 20 most performed living classical composers, further solidifying her illustrious career.

The title of Master of the King’s Music, established during the reign of King Charles I, is an honorary role awarded by the Sovereign to a distinguished musician who has enhanced the musical life of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Although there are no specific obligations tied to the position, the appointee typically composes pieces for significant royal events such as weddings, jubilees, and coronations.

Commenting on her new role, Wallen expressed, “I am thrilled to accept this royal appointment. It will be a privilege and a great honor to serve His Majesty The King, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth. I look forward to championing music and music-making for all.”

Errollyn Wallen moved to London at the age of two. She pursued her music and composition studies at Goldsmiths, King’s College London, and King’s College, Cambridge. Her contributions to music have been recognized through several honors, including being made an MBE by Prince Charles in 2007 and a CBE by Princess Anne in 2021.

She succeeds Dame Judith Weir, who made history as the first woman to hold the position and served a ten-year term starting in July 2014.

In July, Wallen revealed during an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs that she faced significant backlash after creating a new version of the hymn “Jerusalem” for the Proms. She received hundreds of “very abusive” messages but reiterated the piece’s dedication to the Windrush generation and emphasized the often-overlooked connection between the colonies and English music.

“In Belize, all these hymns are our hymns as well, and I’ve added an extra sentence, mentioning that we Commonwealth people sing with you,” Wallen explained.

Source: PA Archive