GMB debate on ‘pledge of allegiance to the King’ for the coronation
This Saturday, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will have their Coronation at Westminster Abbey, the first in 70 years.
The next day, a special sold-out Coronation concert will be held at Windsor Castle in celebration.
Katie Perry, Lionel Richie, Take That and Andrea Bocelli will be performing among a whole host of other stars.
No doubt there will be plenty of surprises and one musician in the know is pianist Alexis Ffrench, who has been asked to perform a special segment in honour of The King,
The British classical-soul pioneer is no stranger to the Royals, having played a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II at a service in her memory, held at Westminster Abbey last Christmas.
The 53-year-old even had the honour of meeting The King formerly known as Prince when the then-heir apparent visited an art class at his school when the pianist was just 14.
Alexis has since gone on to deliver educational programmes on writing and producing music to young people by partnering with the Prince’s Trust, which the current monarch founded in 1976.
He shared: “It was only when I got involved in the charity that I saw how powerful an organisation it is and how many lives it touches in positive ways. It’s really indicative of the man and his philosophy of protecting the diversity of our country. He’s demonstrated this incredible commitment to inclusion, particularly through the arts.”
On being asked to perform at King Charles III’s Coronation concert this Sunday, Alexis said: “I’m honoured and delighted. It’s a momentous and historic occasion and I can’t wait to celebrate with everybody else.” The pianist, who will be accompanied by soloist Freya Ridings, then teased what will be in-store at the historic event.
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Alexis shared: “What I can say is that the concert itself is celebrating the Coronation of a new King and there’s nothing more joyous than that. So expect themes of love, respect, and optimism. We’re celebrating the four nations, communities and the Commonwealth.
“It’s going to be one of the most life-affirming events that I’ve ever attended and it’s for that reason that I just want to soak up every last fibre of the atmosphere and connect with as many people as I can, in terms of spirits in the vicinity. I just think it’s going to be so, so beautiful.
“I’m performing with the incredible Freya Ridings, who has the most sublime voice; such a gorgeous musician. Really looking forward to that and other things which I can’t say [just now], but will be wonderful.”
The Coronation Concert starts at 8pm on Sunday May 7 and will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer.
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