South African opera star to perform at King Charles III’s coronation
South African soprano Pretty Yende will become the first African to perform at a British coronation.
Yende will perform «Sacred Fire,» a new composition by classical and film composer Sarah Class at the May 6 ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London. Buckingham Palace has released details of who else will perform at the coronation of King Charles III.
Pretty, are you sitting down?» South African soprano Pretty Yende was performing in Vienna last December when she received a call from her manager. She had just been booked for the biggest gig of her life: a performance at the coronation of King Charles III.
On May 6, the world will witness the crowning of Charles III at Westminster Abbey, in London. The 2,000-strong congregation will include royalty and global leaders, and 12 new pieces of music have been commissioned to mark the occasion.
As one of three soloists at the ceremony, it’s thought that Yende is the first African to be invited to perform solo at a British coronation.
«I was overwhelmed, shocked, happy. All the emotions were just rushing in,» she said, remembering the invitation.
But given the 38-year-old’s remarkable journey, it’s surprising that she was surprised at all.
