The University of Aberdeen's Professor Paul Mealor has composed a new work for a celebration at Buckingham Palace, hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to mark the fiftieth Anniversary of His Royal Highness Prince Charles' Investiture as Prince of Wales.
Professor Mealor’s new work, ‘Morwyn Llyn Fan’ for soprano and harp, was inspired by the legend of the Lady of Llyn y Fan, a mountain lake near Prince Charles’s Welsh home, Llwynywermod in Carmarthenshire.
It will be performed for the first time on March 5 at the celebration which will be attended by leading royals including the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Princess Royal.
Leading figures in Welsh and UK public life will also be present, as well as representatives from the future king's many Welsh charities and patronages.
Charles was created the Prince of Wales when he was only nine years old, on 26 July 1958.
He was invested with the title by the Queen at Caernarfon Castle 11 years later, on 1 July 1969 - when he was 20.
Professor Mealor said he was honoured to be asked to create music for such a significant occasion. He has composed a number works for The Royal Family over the years including a motet for the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, an anthem for the Diamond Jubilee of The Queen, a piece for The Prince of Wales’ 65th Birthday and music to mark many national occasions.
“The Royal family and particularly The Duke and and Duchess of Rothesay, are supporters not only of my own work but of the musical output of the University of Aberdeen,” he added.
“Their Royal Highnesses regularly attend the performance of the University’s Chapel Choir in Royal Deeside and it means a huge amount to our students to be able to perform for them.
“It is wonderful to be able to give something back to show my appreciation for that support and I hope His Royal Highness will enjoy the performance as part of this milestone occasion.”
Professor Mealor said his new work reflected the Prince of Wales’ commitment to protecting and enhancing our landscapes and that he drew his inspiration for the ‘majestic setting’ of His Royal Highness’ Welsh home.
“The Prince of Wales cares deeply about the countryside and as a Welshman, I can of course appreciate the beauty of the area around HRH’s home, Llwynywermod in Carmarthenshire.
“The pairing of soprano and harp is inspired by local folklore about the Lady of Llyn y Fan, a mountain lake, overlooked by several prominent mountain peaks."