Page 362 - Aldeburgh Festival 2022 FINAL COVERAGE BOOK

In this two-part feature, we’ll encounter the likes of Benjamin Britten, Judith Weir, the
Band of HM Royal Marines, Elizabeth Maconchy, the choirmaster who led Princess

Elizabeth in madrigals in the Second World War, the ORA Singers, a Nigerian priest-
turned composer, the Military Wives Choirs and bagpipers…

The Queen’s history is also a musical history: a reign reflected in music. In
celebrating the Queen, we can also celebrate the vibrant musical life of the UK and

the Commonwealth.

Explore our playlist of jubilee-themed music:

1 – Choir of the Earth

2 – Central Band of the Royal British Legion

3 – Royal Opera House

4 – The Schomerg Society

5 – Cardiff Castle Jubilee Concert

6 – Military bands

7 – ORA Singers

8 – Aldeburgh Festival

9 – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

10 – City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

11 – Military Wives Choirs

12 – London Philharmonic Orchestra

Before we dig deeper into this rich musical tapestry, there’s an intriguing question. Is
the Queen musical? Well, in 2016, Lady Elizabeth Anson – her cousin – said that
'The Queen is a fantastic dancer. She’s got great rhythm'.

She learned to play the piano from the age of 11; there are pictures of her duetting

with Princess Margaret at Windsor Castle in 1940 (apparently a particular favourite