Errollyn Wallen: First Black Composer Named Master of the King's Music

Errollyn Wallen has been appointed as the first Master of the King's Music, marking a historic moment in British royal and musical history. The 66-year-old Belize-born composer is the first black musician to hold this prestigious position within the Royal Household.

The role of Master of the King's Music, established during the reign of Charles I, is often likened to that of Poet Laureate. This fixed 10-year appointment tasks an exceptional musician with composing music for royal events and ceremonial occasions. Wallen succeeds Judith Weir, who was appointed Master of the Queen's Music by Elizabeth II in 2014.

Wallen's journey to this esteemed position is remarkable. Born in Belize, she relocated to London at age two. Her musical education took her through Goldsmiths, King's College London, and King's College, Cambridge. Today, she divides her time between a lighthouse in Strathy and a seaside home in Orkney, Scotland.

Throughout her career, Wallen has broken numerous barriers. In 1998, she became the first black woman to have her work performed at the BBC Proms. In 2013, she was the first woman to receive an Ivor Novello Award for classical music. Her prolific output includes 22 operas and various orchestral, chamber, and vocal compositions. By 2023, she ranked among the top 20 most-performed living classical composers.

Wallen's appointment comes with a desire to promote diversity and accessibility in music. She aims to "dispel the myth that a composer is only white and male" and hopes to use her position to advocate for universal access to music education.

The composer's relationship with King Charles III, a former cellist and classical music enthusiast, promises to be collaborative. Wallen expressed her eagerness to discuss ideas with the monarch and even encouraged him to compose music himself.

"I feel very proud to be appointed the first Master of the King's Music. I share with the monarch a desire to reach every part of the Commonwealth and to uphold their beliefs."

Wallen's career has not been without controversy. Her 2020 reimagining of Hubert Parry's "Jerusalem" for the Last Night of the Proms, dedicated to the Windrush Generation, sparked a social media backlash. Despite the unexpected reaction, Wallen remains committed to reflecting diverse perspectives in her work.

Her musical contributions extend beyond royal duties. Wallen has composed for significant events such as the Cop26 summit, the 2012 Paralympic Games, and Queen Elizabeth II's Golden and Diamond Jubilees. In July 2023, her composition "Photography" was performed at a service for King Charles and Queen Camilla at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

As Wallen embarks on this new chapter, she brings with her a wealth of experience and a vision for a more inclusive musical landscape. Her appointment not only recognizes her exceptional talent but also signals a progressive step in the representation of diverse voices in British cultural institutions.