Live from St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July, 12:40 to 15:15
After bringing every note of the Coronation to the nation live from Westminster Abbey in May, listeners across the country can join BBC Radio 3 for the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, attended by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
BBC Radio 3’s exclusive radio broadcast of the pre-service and service ceremonies, culminating in King Charles III receiving the Honours of Scotland, is presented by Kate Molleson. It features live performances from an array of leading Scottish artists, ensembles and composers.
Sam Jackson, Controller BBC Radio 3 says: “We are very proud that BBC Radio 3 is the only station broadcasting the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication live to the nation. This truly highlights the power BBC radio has to unite the country in celebration, through music – and we look forward to listeners from all corners of the UK joining us to mark another historic royal occasion.”
Performers appearing during the ceremony include, amongst others: violinist Nicola Benedetti, Organist and Master of the Music of St Giles’ Cathedral Michael Harris, the National Youth Choir of Scotland Chamber Choir, trumpeter Aaron Azunda Akugbo, and the Honours of Scotland Ensemble, comprising of members of His Majesty’s three main Scottish musical Patronages: the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and Scottish Ballet.
Music ranges from the traditional to the contemporary and includes five world premieres. Jay Capperauld’s new arrangement of Scottish folk songs chosen by The King is performed by the Honours of Scotland Ensemble; Joanna Gill’s A Song of Thanksgiving and Dedication, set in Doric (spoken in the Northeast of Scotland), is presented by Scottish mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill and the Ayoub Sisters. Also featured are two new fanfares by Paul Mealor, whose new Gaelic Psalm, written especially for the service in recognition of Scotland’s linguistic heritage, is sung by Joy Dunlop.