The Official Recording of THE ROYAL WEDDING

Available May 2011, released by MCA Music

The Royal Wedding is without doubt the most anticipated royal event of the past 30 years, and Decca Records is recording the entire wedding ceremony, as it happens, to make it available to download across the globe on the same day.   This is the first time in the long history of such royal occasions that everything – not only every piece of music but all the readings, blessings and of course the all-important vows – will be available to be enjoyed immediately, and for all time.

The Official Album of the live recording of the event, held in Westminster Abbey on 29th April, will then be on sale in British stores and across the rest of the world from May 2011, with advance orders already in excess of 250,000 copies.

Enhancing the emotion of the occasion, the musical choices of Prince William and Catherine Middleton cover the best of British: both traditional and newly commissioned works, regal, joyous, uplifting and moving. Among Britain’s most famous composers Elgar (Pomp & Circumstance March No.5), Vaughan Williams (Rhosymedre Prelude) and Walton (Crown Imperial) are each represented, whilst Sir Hubert Parry contributes not only Jerusalem and I Was Glad (both, incidentally, heard at the 1981 Royal Wedding), but also Blest Pair of Sirens, and a march from The Birds. There is a specially- written world premiere from one of today’s most gifted and popular composers, John Rutter (This Is The Day), and – the special choice of Kate – a recently composed piece from the 35-year-old Welsh choral composer, Paul Mealor. His original work, Ubi caritas, was premiered at St Andrew’s University last year, where the couple met. Of course Mealor has had to keep this a secret, even from his family, until the moment it is actually performed at the service:

“I was deeply moved to hear that the Royal couple had enjoyed my recent composition, and am honoured and humbled to present 'Ubi caritas' for their very special day...’’

 (Paul Mealor, composer)

The performers at the ceremony include The Choir of Westminster Abbey, The Chapel Royal Choir of St James’ Palace, The London Chamber Orchestra and The Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. The Choirs will be under the direction of Mr James O’Donnell and The London Chamber Orchestra conducted by its Music Director and Principal Conductor Mr Christopher Warren-Green.

The record producer will be one of the world's most experienced, Anna Barry.  Grammy-nominated Ms Barry has produced over 500 recordings over 25 years, ranging from works by Andrew Lloyd Webber to opera at the Mariinsky Theatre with Valery Gergiev, and many other legendary artists including José Carreras and Zubin Mehta.

The album presentation will include a special booklet featuring the complete Order of Service, the readings, vows, hymns and blessings, and all the music from what is expected to be a global event attracting the biggest audience in television history. The album cover is expected to be an exclusive photograph from the ceremony itself.

Decca Records, locally distributed by MCA Music is a part of Universal Music, the world's leading record company, which also released the recording of The Wedding of Charles and Diana, Prince and Princess of Wales in 1981, and the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. The uniquely original new recording will be the next in a historic line to mark major milestones for our royal family, and as such it will enter the homes of millions across the whole world.

The Official Recording of THE ROYAL WEDDING available May 2011 in music stores for Php459.