Andrew Lloyd Webber writes King Charles III’s anthem

LONDON (AP) — Andrew Lloyd Webber, the English composer who created the scores for hit musicals like “Cats,” “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Evita,” penned King Charles’ coronation anthem III, by adapting a church piece that encourages singers to make a “joyful noise”.

Webber’s work is among a dozen new pieces the monarch has commissioned for the grand occasion, which will take place on May 6 at Westminster Abbey. It includes lyrics adapted from Psalm 98 and is written specifically for the Abbey Choir and Organ.

“I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion,” Webber said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.

The program for the King’s coronation ceremony includes old music and new compositions, as the palace seeks to combine traditional and modern elements that reflect the realities of modern Britain. The new pieces have been composed by artists with roots in the four constituent nations of the UK, as well as the Commonwealth and other countries.

The service will include works by William Byrd (1543-1623), George Frideric Handel (1685-1759), Edward Elgar (1857-1934), Henry Walford Davies (1869-1941), William Walton (1902-1983), Hubert Parry (1848–1918) and Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), whose music has appeared at previous coronations, as well as a piece by contemporary Welsh composer Karl Jenkins.

There will also be new works by Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O’Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J. Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams and Debbie Wiseman.

“The decision to combine the old with the new reflects the cultural breadth of the times we live in,” said Andrew Nethsingha, organist and choirmaster at Westminster Abbey.

“Coronations have taken place at Westminster Abbey since 1066. It has been a privilege to partner with Her Majesty in choosing excellent musicians and accessible and communicative music for this grand occasion,” Nethsingha added.

The program will also include personal touches, including a musical tribute to Charles’ late father, Prince Philip, born a Greek prince. The new monarch has requested Greek Orthodox music, which will be performed by the Ensemble of Byzantine Songs.

Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” will also be included. The anthem, with its robust chorus of “God save the king”, has been played at every coronation since it was commissioned for the accession of King George II in 1727.