Composer Peter Boyer Commissioned for Concert in Celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III
BMI congratulates composer Peter Boyer, who has been commissioned to write a new work in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III. Commissioned by Suzi Digby OBE, founder and Artistic Director of ORA Singers, Boyer’s new work, entitled Today We Ask, will debut at the Coronation Celebration at St. Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, London on May 3, three days prior to the official ceremony.
“As an American composer, it was a most unexpected honor to be commissioned for a new work to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III,” says Boyer. “I have longstanding great admiration for the British choral tradition, and ORA Singers are superb performers, representing that tradition at the highest level. I am grateful to them and Suzi Digby for offering me the remarkable opportunity which this commission represents. It was a pleasure to set the poignant words of Welsh poet Grahame Davies, which he wrote specially for this purpose. With these wonderful singers joined by brass quintet and timpani, and the festive atmosphere of which they are capable, it is my hope that my music might make a modest contribution to this celebratory and historic occasion.”
A GRAMMY-nominated classical composer, Boyer is also a two-time recipient of the BMI Student Composer Awards in the 90’s and has been a prolific creative force ever since. His works have been performed by a long list of revered, world-class orchestras, including the Boston Pops Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra, while his symphonic works have been performed in concert halls around the world. He has also worked extensively as an orchestrator for film and television, for celebrated composers and fellow BMI affiliates such as Thomas Newman, James Newton Howard, Alan Menken, Harry Gregson-Williams, Michael Kamen, and many more.
“What an honour and thrill it has been to commission Peter’s Today We Ask for ORA Singers,” says Digby. “His score has exceeded my ambitious vision for this historic work to mark the coronation of King Charles III. It is breathtaking. At once uplifting, majestic and thoughtful. And exquisitely crafted. I anticipate it will become a staple for choirs around the world.”
Along with Boyer’s new work, the Coronation Celebration at St. Paul’s Church will also include music from previous Royal functions from throughout the last four centuries, and will be broadcast on Classic FM. Congratulations, Peter, on this prestigious commission.
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