I was delighted to be commissioned by the Royal School of Church Music, of which the Queen is Royal Patron, to write the RSCM Platinum Jubilee Anthem ‘In Our Service’. It is being sung by 500 choirs all over the Commonwealth in celebration of the incredible steadfastness and constancy of HM Queen Elizabeth II during her 70 year reign, making her the UK’s longest serving monarch. The RSCM’s commission brief for this Platinum Jubilee Anthem was distinctly for a song both sacred and secular, that could be enjoyed by choirs of all sizes and types in many different versions. It includes new words (inspired by poignant words said by the Queen in her speeches over the years) and a soaring melody, aiming to give the song a meaning and integrity that can have value and be an enjoyable sing for choirs even after this year’s Jubilee celebrations. The Royal School of Music’s brief was one of the hardest ever as a composer - that the anthem should provide something which choirs all over the world can sing, that is inclusive, melodic and meaningful, be of the moment and yet lasting, and lastly (but most importantly) have integrity.
Hotlinks!
Single by Royal Holloway Choir out on Signum Records here
More information from the RSCM and sheet music here
Voice part learning files and recorded accompaniments here
As featured by Classic FM! The anthem in praise of HM The Queen is ostensibly secular, but given that the Royal School of Church Music’s origins lay in sacred choral music and also the fact that the HM Queen Elizabeth II is head of the Church of England, it was felt by all during the RSCM Platinum Jubilee Anthem’s conception that there should be an option for alternative words in the later verses of the song which could link the themes of selfless service with the parallel narrative of the life of Jesus Christ, and how we should rise up and serve him. These alternative words were approved by a senior member of the Church of England - in the shape of the Precentor of Salisbury Cathedral - to allow church and cathedral choirs to sing the RSCM Platinum Jubilee Anthem within liturgical settings, as well as by any secular choir - from choral society to community gospel choir. The RSCM hope that choirs all over the world enjoy ‘In Our Service’ as much as the team have enjoyed working on it, as it resounds all over over the Commonwealth this year and beyond.