Paul Mealor to provide music for the Royal Wedding

The young, little-known Welsh composer, Paul Mealor, has been chosen by Prince William and Catherine Middleton to provide some of the newly-composed music to be heard during this Friday’s Royal Wedding.

The original work, Ubi caritas, written by the hugely talented 35-year-old composer, was premiered last October at St Andrew’s University. As that was where the young royal couple met and fell in love, the choice could hardly be more appropriate for their wedding ceremony. The royal request came as a total surprise to Mealor: “I was thrilled to hear that HRH Prince William of Wales had chosen my music for his wedding . . . How humbling it is for me to know that Prince William and Catherine will celebrate the beginning of their lives together with my music . . . The ceremony is going to be, without a doubt, the most emotionally intense and exhilarating hour of my life!’’     
                            
Paul Mealor has had to keep his extraordinary news a secret, even from his family. Only when the choral work is actually performed at the service will it be revealed to the world. The composer is hoping to watch the wedding ceremony on television at home with his mother, who will indeed have the surprise of her life when she hears her son’s composition performed in Westminster Abbey on 29th April by The Choir of Westminster Abbey and The Choir of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, conducted by James O’Donnell.

Paul’s home is in his birthplace of Anglesey. Since that is also where the royal couple will be living after their wedding, their choice of a local composer is wholly appropriate.

Mealor’s music has been described as having “serene beauty, fastidious craftsmanship and architectural assuredness” by the New York Times.  For most of the countless millions around the globe their first hearing will come as, spellbound, they tune in to watch Prince William and Catherine Middleton following their exchange of the solemn vows. The entire wedding ceremony, including Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est (Where charity and love are, God is there), will be recorded live by Decca Records and made available digitally the same day, with The Official Album being released into stores in all other formats from 4th May. The whole world can then enjoy the tranquil loveliness of this hitherto unknown - but soon to be celebrated - piece of music time and time again.