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

Renowned Composer Errollyn Wallen has been Appointed Master of the King's Music

In a historic move, celebrated composer and singer-songwriter Errollyn Wallen has been appointed Master of the King's Music by King Charles. Wallen, a Belize-born British musician, is the first black woman to hold the prestigious position, which was created in the reign of King Charles I.

Credit: The Guardian

Wallen, who has composed music for the London 2012 Paralympic Games and was the first black woman to have a work featured in the Proms, expressed her excitement and honor at accepting the royal appointment. "I am thrilled to accept this royal appointment," she said. "It is a privilege and a great honor."

Credit: BBC

As Master of the King's Music, Wallen will compose pieces for special royal occasions such as coronations and royal weddings, although there are no set duties in the honorary role. She succeeds Dame Judith Weir, the first woman to hold the role, who was chosen by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2014. The role has a fixed term of 10 years and is comparable to the position of poet laureate.

Wallen, who has been recognized for her services to music with an MBE and CBE, is a champion of music and music-making for all. She has been ranked among the top 20 most performed living classical composers and was the first woman to receive an Ivor Novello Award for classical music.

Credit: BBC

In a recent interview with BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Wallen spoke about her experiences with abuse and criticism, including receiving hundreds of "very abusive" messages after creating a new version of Jerusalem, a hymn played every year at the Proms. Despite this, she remains committed to her craft and to celebrating the musical heritage of the Commonwealth.