Meghan Markle rings teen prodigy cellist to ask him to play at her wedding
When most people see an unknown number flash up on their mobile phone, they brace themselves for a cold call telling them about a road accident or mis-sold PPI.
But Sheku Kanneh-Mason will be glad he answered one particular mystery telephone call, after picking up to find Meghan Markle on the end of the line.
Kanneh-Mason, a rising star of the classical music world and teenage prodigy cellist, has described how he was “bowled over” by a telephone call from Ms Markle, personally inviting him to play at her wedding to Prince Harry on May 19.
The 19-year-old cellist, who became the first black winner of the prestigious BBC Young Musician award in 2016 and has since played at the Proms, will join a line-up of wedding musicians including a gospel choir, a soprano singer, a trumpeter and the choir of St George’s Chapel.
Kanneh-Mason, who comes from a family of talented musicians, said: "I'm so excited and honoured to perform at Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle's wedding.
"I was bowled over when Ms Markle called me to ask if I would play during the ceremony, and of course I immediately said yes.
"What a privilege to be able to play the cello at such a wonderful event. I can't wait!"
The invitation came after the cellist impressed Prince Harry during an evening in London last June in aid of Antiguan charity the Halo Foundation.
In a statement releasing details of the Royal Wedding music, Kensington Palace said: "Both Prince Harry and Ms Markle have taken a great interest and care in choosing the music for their service, which will include a number of well-known hymns and choral works."
The chapel will echo to the gospel sounds of the Kingdom Choir founded and directed by Karen Gibson, who has previously worked on high-profile events including the Queen’s Jubilee, the Concert for Diana, and VE Day celebrations at Buckingham Palace in 1997.
The palace said the British choir “has become known for its united sound, warm energy and enthusiastic performance”.
Gibson, who will lead her group during the service, said: "The Kingdom Choir is truly honoured to be invited to sing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Ms Markle, and very excited to be taking part in such a historic moment.
"It will be a moment that we will always treasure, and we'd like to take the opportunity to wish the couple all the very best for their coming union."
The Prince and Ms Markle may be planning to contrast the uplifting voices of the gospel singers with Baroque pieces, selecting soloists who have made their name playing music from the period.
David Blackadder, principal trumpet with both the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of Ancient Music, will play with The Orchestra, comprised of musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia.
They will be joined by soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, best known for her performances of Baroque masterpieces.
James Vivian, director of music at St George's Chapel, will be in overall control of the service's music which will also feature state trumpeters from all ranks of the Band of the Household Cavalry, St George's Chapel choir and Luke Bond, the chapel's assistant director of music, will play the organ.
Mr Vivian said: "The choristers, lay clerks, organists and I are very much looking forward to this exciting day and are pleased to be performing at the service music chosen by the couple.
"We are also looking forward to welcoming to St George's musical colleagues from near and far who will be performing at this very special and joyful occasion."
The service has been designed around the couple’s own tastes, with their spokesman previously saying: “This wedding, like all weddings, will be a moment of fun and joy that will reflect the characters and values of the bride and groom.”
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