Decca Records to release recording of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle’s wedding

Entire ceremony available globally on all streaming services for the first time ever

Recording available on Digital Platforms May 19 / Physical Release May 25

LONDON, April 25, 2018 — When Prince Harry marries Ms. Meghan Markle next month, the Royal Wedding Ceremony will be recorded live and released on Decca Records within hours of the service ending. Decca, one of Britain’s most historic record labels, will have the privilege of capturing the entire service.

The official recording of the Wedding Service, to be held at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday May 19, will be available to listen to at home that same day, then released into retail stores around the world from May 25.

Musicians confirmed to perform at the wedding ceremony include British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, The Choir of St George’s Chapel and Christian gospel group The Kingdom Choir. The Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green, will be made up of musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia. State Trumpeters are drawn from all ranks of the Band of the Household Cavalry, and will provide ceremonial support during the Service at St George’s Chapel. The music will be under the direction of James Vivian, Director of Music, St George’s Chapel.

The physical album will include a special collector’s booklet. The recording will also be made available on vinyl.

Decca Records is a part of Universal Music, the world’s leading music company, and has previously recorded and released the Wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, as well as the Wedding of The Prince and Princess of Wales in 1981, and the Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. This uniquely original new recording will be the next in a historic line to mark major milestones for The Royal Family, and as such it will enter the homes of millions across the whole world.

The album will be produced by one of the world’s finest classical record producers, Anna Barry, who has produced over 500 recordings of distinction for over 25 years, ranging from works by Andrew Lloyd Webber to opera at the Mariinsky Theatre with Valery Gergiev, and many other legendary artists including José Carreras and Zubin Mehta.

The multi-Grammy-nominated producer said of the Royal Wedding recording: “Capturing the words and music of this Royal Wedding is a great responsibility, knowing how much a permanent record of the event will mean to so many people around the world. Our Decca team will deliver a state of the art recording which captures every nuance of this very happy day and it will be a joy to be a part of the celebrations.”

Rebecca Allen, President of Decca Records said: “Decca is hugely proud of its historical connections to The Royal Family and is very much looking forward to recording, and making available within hours, this truly special event. This unique & prestigious occasion will be available to stream across all music platforms globally – a first for a Royal Wedding.”

Dickon Stainer, President & CEO, Global Classics & Jazz said: “This will go down in history as the first time a Royal Wedding can be re-lived within hours through the world’s streaming platforms; every word and every note of music.”

Decca will make a donation per album sold to support the charitable work of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The Royal Foundation is used as the main vehicle for Their Royal Highnesses’ philanthropic activities, including programmes such as Heads Together, Coach Core, and the Endeavour Fund (reg. charity no. 1132048). Ms. Markle will join The Royal Foundation as its fourth Patron following her marriage.

About Decca Records

Decca is one of the world’s iconic record labels. The logo has been associated with some of recorded music’s defining acts: The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Luciano Pavarotti and Ella Fitzgerald to name a few. In recent years Decca Records has been selected as the official label partner of high profile events such as the 2011 Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the London 2012 Olympics and the 2016 Paralympics. Decca is also home to such diverse and distinctive artists as Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Gregory Porter, Melody Gardot, Aurora, The Shires, Ludovico Einaudi, Imelda May, Alfie Boe, The Lumineers and Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Find out more at: decca.com

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: www.universalmusic.com

About Sheku Kanneh-Mason
19-year-old cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason is one of the brightest young stars in classical music. He won BBC Young Musician 2016, made his BBC Proms debut the following year, and released his debut album, ‘Inspiration’, on Decca the year after that. Sheku is currently a student at the Royal Academy of Music and combines his studies there with an increasingly busy international concert career. He is passionate about making classical music accessible to all and is Junior Ambassador for the music education charity London Music Masters. Prince Harry saw Sheku play at an event in London last June supporting the work of Antiguan children’s charities through the Halo Foundation.

 

Date: