For the first time in British history, the coronation included gospel music – but who were the singers behind the landmark performance?
The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla has maintained many of the traditions of his ancestors. However, the new monarch was keen to ensure the service still represented modern Britain.
It’s believed the King – an avid gospel music fan - specifically requested a gospel choir perform. The song, Alleluia (O Sing Praises), written by composer Debbie Wiseman for the occasion, was originally going to be sung by the Westminster Abbey Choir.
Instead, the first part included the original choir, and the second part was reworked for the Ascension Choir instead, led by Abimbola Amoako-Gyampah.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Wiseman said: “She was hand-picked by King Charles and I was asked to write the music, so I’ve written a special piece for them and we’ve been rehearsing it together.
“It’s the first time a gospel choir has ever performed at a Coronation. It’s fantastic, it will warm everyone’s hearts.”
It’s not the first time the Ascension Choir has taken centre stage at a royal event. The eight performers previously sang at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at St George’s Chapel in Windsor as part of the Kingdom Choir.
Organisers of the wedding said it was King Charles’ idea to include gospel music at the 2018 event also.