The King has appointed the first Master of Music of his reign.
Errollyn Wallen CBE becomes Master of The King’s Music, a role that goes back centuries.
She succeeds Dame Judith Weir who was appointed in 2014 by Queen Elizabeth II.
The new Master of The King’s Music is a celebrated pianist and singer-songwriter who composed pieces to mark both the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II. She was appointed CBE in 2021.
In 2023, her music featured prominently at the Presentation of the Honours of Scotland to King Charles and Queen Camilla at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. The Honours of Scotland ensemble played her 2006 composition ‘Photography’ at the service which was dubbed the ‘Scottish Coronation.’
Her work has also featured at international events including the Paralympics Games of 2012 and the COP26 summit as well as at the BBC Proms.
As she was appointed, Errollyn Wallen, who was born in Belize, said she was ”thrilled to accept this royal appointment. It will be a privilege and a great honour to serve His Majesty The King, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. I look forward to championing music and music-making for all.”
The role of Master of The King’s Music traces its origins to the reign of the first King Charles. In his reign, a master was appointed to lead the Sovereign’s band of musicians.
In the last years of the reign of Queen Victoria, the Sovereign’s private band came to an end. In 1899, a separate Queen’s band was created and King George V made further alterations by ending any fixed duties associated with the role of Master of The King’s Music.
It is now an honorary position but carries a real musical prestige and will see Errollyn Wallen called upon to create music specially for major royal celebrations including jubilees and weddings.
