Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's dedication to philanthropy and humanitarianism is showing in their wedding plans, including the couple's music selections announced Tuesday. Kensington Palace revealed the roster of musical guests set to perform at their May wedding, such as a 19-year-old cellist who shares their passion for charity.
Markle and Harry tapped Sheku Kanneh-Mason to perform at their wedding on May 19. The British cellist, who made headlines after winning the BBC Young Musician award in 2016, performed at a Halo Foundation event attended by Harry last June and does charity work aimed at making classical music more accessible to young people of all ethnicities and classes.
19-year-old cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, winner of 2016 @BBCYoungMus. Last June, Prince Harry saw Sheku play at an event in London in support of the work of Antiguan charity the Halo Foundation. pic.twitter.com/C3QSfcbXJl
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) April 24, 2018
A student at the Royal Academy of Music, Kanneh-Mason serves as a junior ambassador for London Music Masters, a British music education charity organization. He released his debut album, Inspiration, in January.
The couple also chose a "selection of choral groups, soloists and musicians" to perform a "number of well-known hymns and choral works," Kensington Palace said, including an orchestra conducted by Christopher Warren-Green made up of musicians from the English Chamber Orchestra, the Philharmonia and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
It's no surprise that American actress Markle and Harry enlisted the Choir of St. George's Chapel to perform, considering St. George's Chapel, located on the grounds of Windsor Castle, is where the duo will tie the knot. The choir dates back to 1348 and is overseen by James Vivian. It is made up of 23 boys from St. George's School and 12 lay clerks. The choir performs across Europe, as well as at St. George's weekly church services.
Another choral group, Karen Gibson and the Kingdom Choir, are also featured on the lineup. In a statement, Gibson said the Christian gospel group from southeast England is "truly honored to be invited to sing" at what's sure to be the wedding of the year. "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," Gibson said.
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