King’s alumna Errollyn Wallen named Master of the King’s Music
Tagged:
On 24 August, His Majesty The King appointed Errollyn Wallen CBE as the Master of the King’s Music, marking the first appointment to this role during his reign.
The title of Master of the King’s Music is an honorary appointment awarded to “a musician of distinction who has contributed significantly to the musical life of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.” It was created during the reign of King Charles I.I am thrilled to accept this royal appointment. It will be a privilege and a great honour to serve His Majesty The King, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. I look forward to championing music and music-making for all.
Errolyn Wallen CBE in her statement to Buckingham Palace
As Master of the King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen succeeds Dame Judith Weir DBE, who became the first woman to hold the position when she was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014.
Although the role does not come with specific duties, the Master of the King’s Music often composes works for special royal occasions such as coronations, jubilees, anniversaries, and weddings, and provides musical advice to the Sovereign.
Errollyn Wallen is an award-winning British composer and singer-songwriter, born in Belize. She began studying music at Goldsmiths in 1981, composition at King’s in 1983, and later earned an MPhil from King’s College, Cambridge. Wallen is the first Black woman to have her work featured at the BBC Proms and the first woman to receive an Ivor Novello Award for Classical Music. She has composed music for significant events, including the opening ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games, Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees, and the COP26 climate change summit. In recognition of her contributions to music, Wallen was awarded an MBE in 2007 and a CBE in 2020.
Check out one of her interviews and listen to some of her works.
Sources:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/kings-alumna-errollyn-wallen-appointed-master-of-the-kings-music
Join the Discussion
More News
KCLA Sports Festival 5 SEP 2026
KCLA SPORTS FESTIVAL 5 SEP 2026 CONTEXT: A sports festival for KCLA Alumni and students took place on Sat 5 Sep 26 at Honor Oak Park (HOP) Sports ground, Brockley Rise. A KCLA sports dinner will take place at Queens Club on Fri 18 Sep 26 followed by a tennis tournament at Redbridge Sports Club […]
Bringing Generations Together at the KCLEA Annual Lunch
The King’s College London Engineering Association (KCLEA) Annual Lunch brought together generations of King’s engineers at Bush House for an afternoon of reconnecting, networking and celebrating the engineering community. The event welcomed alumni from across the decades, including graduates from as far back as 1958, with representation from every decade since the 1970s. Among those […]
King’s Community Recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours
From scientific innovation to sporting success, members of the King’s community have been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding achievements and contributions on both national and international stages. William Luckhurst, Senior Technical Manager (Projects) in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for […]