OVs’ Coronation Connections

The Coronation of King Charles III was a spectacular occasion and a great celebration! It was made even more special for the King’s family as many OVs were involved.

During the Coronation, OV Peter Holder (Br 01-08 and King’s St Alban’s), Westminster Abbey’s Sub-Organist, played throughout the service with both traditional and some new pieces that had been specially commissioned for the Coronation. Many OVs will recall Peter had also played for the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen at Westminster Abbey, including Fantasia in C minor BWV 562 by Johann Sebastian Bach at the close of the service, as the coffin was taken out of Westminster Abbey.

OV Rebecca Hardwick (Br 00-07) was also in Westminster Abbey, singing Bruckner’s resounding Ecce Sacerdos Magnus with the Monteverdi Choir, under the baton of Sir John Eliot Gardiner.

Providing a comprehensive overview of the Coronation was OV Cameron Walker (Os 08-15), who is the Royal Correspondent for GB News. Commenting on the occasion, Cameron said, “Covering the Coronation of King Charles III was a unique experience that will remain a highlight of my career. I spent most of my time in a white tent, directly opposite Buckingham Palace, for the duration of GB News’ coverage. I provided hours of live commentary to hundreds of thousands of viewers, and occasionally anchored when the on-location presenters had a quick break.

“It was a privilege to observe the ceremonial processions travel past me, and the Royal Family waving from the balcony. Seeing the newly-crowned King and Queen smiling back at the large crowd is a moment I will remember forever. Despite the rain, everyone was in good spirits and I felt like I was a part of history.”

The day after the Coronation, OV Andrew Furniss (W 94-04) welcomed the King and Queen of Tonga to the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, where Andrew is the Assistant Director of Music. Andrew added, “Following the great success at the Coronation the day before, when my fellow OV Peter Holder played a key role in the ceremony, it was an honour that on the Sunday that followed, the Tongan Royal Family and various other delegates who attended the Coronation chose to join the morning service at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster. As the Assistant Director of Music and Organist of this institution it was a privilege to play for these guests, knowing that they had also been part of the special service that occurred across at Westminster Abbey the day before.”

On Thursday 8 June, Andrew will be returning to Worcester to give the lunchtime recital in the Cathedral. The programme will encompass pieces from composers C. M. Widor, E. Gigout and L. Vierne. It will also include a piece close to Andrew’s heart, which was composed by the Director of Music and Organist at the Cathedral when Andrew was a chorister, and dedicated to him as well: Scherzo by Adrian Lucas. He would love to see OVs there so please do join him if you can!