‘Spellbinding’ Coronation Service held at St John’s College to mark historic day
“The Choir were inspired to give of their very best by the magisterial playing of the Academy of Ancient Music”
Hundreds of people attended a specially-devised sequence of music and readings in the iconic Chapel of St John’s College on Sunday to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
The globally-renowned Choir of St John’s was joined by leading period-instrument orchestra the Academy of Ancient Music for the Coronation Anthems by Handel – notably the famous Zadok The Priest. The service was built around the four anthems Handel composed for the Coronation of King George II and Queen Caroline, held in Westminster Abbey in 1727.
The large-scale musical production, conducted by Christopher Gray, the Choir’s new Director of Music, was described by attendees as ‘magnificent’ and ‘spellbinding’. The service also included readings from Jewish and Muslim holy writings, delivered by members of St John’s College of those faiths.
Christopher Gray said: “There was a celebratory spirit in Chapel as the St John’s community came together to mark this historic weekend.
“Only three weeks into my new role, I continue to be bowled over by the musicianship of the Choir every time we meet. On this occasion they were inspired to give of their very best by the magisterial playing of the Academy of Ancient Music and Handel’s joyous, life-enhancing music.”
Music played a powerful role in the Coronation of King Charles in London on Saturday with more than half the service made up of song. The musical arrangements combined the old and the new and were directed by St John’s alumnus and former Director of Music Andrew Nethsingha, now Organist and Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey. New fanfares were composed for the service by Christopher Robinson, another previous Director of Music at St John’s. Many former choristers at the College were among the singers performing in the Abbey and some children from Truro Cathedral Choir, directed by Christopher Gray until he moved to St John’s last month, also sang.
After the Coronation Service at St John’s on Sunday, more than 500 people gathered for a celebratory drink and to toast the new King and Queen, and a special feast was held in the evening when a new Coronation pudding created by a student was served.
Published: 9/5/2023