Acclaimed composer and singer-songwriter Errollyn Wallen has been appointed Master of the King’s Music by King Charles.
The Belize-born British musician was the first black woman to have a work featured in the Proms and she composed music for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
The BBC website reports her saying: “I am thrilled to accept this royal appointment… I look forward to championing music and music-making for all.” Ms Wallen is quoted as describing the role as “a privilege and a great honour”.
There are no set duties for the honorary role which was created in the reign of King Charles I, but the Master will often compose pieces for special royal occasions such as coronations and royal weddings.
The role is granted by the sovereign to a musician who adds to the musical life of the UK and the Commonwealth. The role now has a fixed term of 10 years and is comparable to the position of poet laureate.
Wallen, who succeeds Dame Judith Weir, was previously commissioned to compose pieces marking the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Read the full article about Ms Wallen’s appointment on the BBC website