The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a grand affair that was watched by millions around the world. This event was broadcasted live and was filled with many memorable moments, including the musical performances by some of the most talented artists. One of the highlights of the wedding was the performance by cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. In this blog post, we will discuss in detail about Sheku Kanneh-Mason, his career, and his performance at the Royal Wedding.
Who is Sheku Kanneh-Mason?
Sheku Kanneh-Mason is a British cellist who was born in Nottingham, England, in 1999. He was born into a musical family, and his parents encouraged him and his six siblings to learn various musical instruments. Sheku’s talent for music was evident from a young age, and he started playing the cello at the age of six.
At the age of nine, Sheku won a place at the Junior Royal Academy of Music, where he studied for several years. He later went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Award for Excellence in 2016.
Sheku has won numerous awards for his performances and has played with several orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. He has also performed at several prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s Performance at the Royal Wedding
Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s performance at the Royal Wedding was one of the most talked-about moments of the event. He was personally selected by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to perform during their ceremony, making him the first black musician to perform at a Royal Wedding in history.
Sheku played three pieces during the ceremony: “Sicilienne” by Gabriel Faure, “Apres un reve” by Gabriel Faure, and “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert. His performance was widely praised by both the public and music critics, with many stating that his emotional playing added a perfect touch to the ceremony.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s Career After the Royal Wedding
Following his performance at the Royal Wedding, Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s career took off significantly. He signed a recording contract with Decca Records, one of the largest record labels in the world, and in early 2018, he released his debut album, “Inspiration,” which quickly became a commercial success.
Sheku’s talent has not gone unnoticed, and he has received numerous accolades for his performances, including the prestigious “Male Artist of the Year” award at the Classic Brit Awards in 2018. He has also been named as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 musicians for 2021.
Sheku has continued to perform at several high-profile events, including the BAFTA Awards and the Commonwealth Day Service in Westminster Abbey. He has also collaborated with several well-known musicians, including Sir Elton John.
Conclusion
Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s performance at the Royal Wedding was a truly unforgettable moment that captured the hearts of people around the world. His emotional and beautiful cello playing perfectly complemented the occasion, and his career has since taken off significantly. Sheku has proven to be a talented cellist with a bright future ahead of him. We look forward to hearing more from this remarkable musician in the coming years.
FAQ
Who performed at Harry and Meghan’s wedding?
At the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle held on May 19, 2018, the guests witnessed several remarkable performances. The wedding ceremony was unique and reflected the couple’s modern and diverse approach, which was evident in the choice of music played throughout the day. The couple wanted to incorporate various musical genres into their day, and thus they invited diverse artists to perform at the wedding.
Firstly, the ceremony featured a performance by 19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who played three pieces: “Sicilienne” by Gabriel Faure, Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” and “Après un Rêve” by Gabriel Fauré. Sheku Kanneh-Mason made history by being the first black musician to perform at a royal wedding, and his performance was widely acclaimed, with millions of viewers praising his composition.
Moreover, the couple also invited the young ethereal vocal group, The Kingdom Choir, who performed a beautiful rendition of “Stand by Me” during the ceremony, which got people talking way after the wedding. The choir was directed by Karen Gibson and comprised about 20 members. Their performance was a show-stopper, resonating with the theme of the event, which was all about love and inclusivity.
Finally, the day ended with a private reception where the guests were entertained with music from various DJs, including Idris Elba, who is an actor and a DJ. He reportedly played a mix of soul, dance, and hip-hop music that set the stage for the celebration of the newlyweds.
All in all, the music at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan was fantastic, diverse, and contemporary. It reflected who they were as a couple and the message of the day, which was all about unity, love, and inclusivity.
Who are the 7 siblings musicians?
The Kanneh-Mason family is a British family of seven siblings who are all talented musicians. The family was thrust into the spotlight in 2018 when Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who is a cellist, performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. The siblings’ musical abilities are truly impressive as each of them can play at least one musical instrument.
The eldest sibling is Isata who is a pianist and she is 26 years old. Then comes the violinist Braimah, who is 24 years old. Sheku, the third in line, is a world-renowned cellist and he is 23 years old. The next two siblings, Konya and Aminata, are 22 years old and both play piano and violin. Jeneba, who is 19 years old, can play both the piano and the cello. Lastly, there is Mariatu who is 13 years old and also a pianist and cellist.
The Kanneh-Mason family has been recognized worldwide for their outstanding talent, with Sheku winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year award in 2016 and performing at various high-profile events since. The other siblings have also won awards and performed at prestigious events.
The siblings were all home-schooled, which allowed them ample time to practice their instruments. Their parents, Stuart and Kadie Kanneh-Mason, are both from Sierra Leone and hugely supportive of their children’s musical endeavors. They have often referred to music as a way to connect with their heritage and culture.
The Kanneh-Mason family, with their seven talented siblings who are all accomplished musicians, have captured the world’s attention with their music and continue to inspire others to pursue their passion.
What song was played at the royal wedding walking down the aisle?
In many cultural traditions, music has a significant place in weddings as it sets the tone and ambiance. During the procession of a royal wedding, selecting the right music is of utmost importance to reflect the grandeur and solemnity of the occasion. In the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that took place on May 19, 2018, one particular hymn was played as the bride walked down the aisle of St. George’s Chapel in Windsor – “Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer.”
“Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer” is a hymn of Welsh origin that has been a favorite of the British royal family for decades. The hymn was written in Welsh by William Williams in the mid-18th century and was translated into English by Peter Williams. The hymn is often associated with Wales and is sometimes referred to as the “Welsh national anthem.”
The hymn has a rich history of being performed at royal occasions. It was famously sung at the funeral of Princess Diana, and at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. The selection of this hymn for the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a poignant tribute to the bride’s Welsh heritage.
The hymn’s lyrics contain a message of hope and trust in God during times of difficulties and challenges. The hymn’s opening line, “Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land,” echoes the feelings of love, support, and guidance that the newlyweds may need throughout their lives.
“Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer” was the hymn chosen for the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The hymn has a rich history of being played at royal occasions and has Welsh origins. The hymn’s lyrics provide a message of hope and support, and it is a fitting choice for a royal ceremony.
