New President at Foden’s
Foden’s has announced that well-respected and globally recognised composer Paul Mealor will become the band’s new President. Band Chairman John Barber commented, “We are delighted that Paul has accepted our invitation to become the President of Foden's Band. We have long admired Paul's work and are delighted that as a composer celebrated the World over, he will be working with us to help develop future musical opportunities, programmes and initiatives.”
Paul Mealor, one of the most performed living composers, has won numerous accolades for his work including: BAFTA, Brit and Classical Brit Awards. He rose to worldwide prominence when his motet 'Ubi Caritas et Amor' was performed at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. He later composed the song ‘Wherever You Are’ which became the 2011 Christmas number one and the fastest selling single in chart history. As well as writing concerti and chamber music, Paul has also composed two operas, four symphonies as well as output for Brass Band including a Euphonium Concerto. In January 2018, he was appointed as an Officer of the Venerable Order of St John (OStJ) by HM Queen Elizabeth II and in March 2023 was promoted to Commander (CStJ) by HM King Charles III. Paul has recently been commissioned to write for the funeral service of the late Queen Elizabeth II and for the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with his work 'Coronation Kyrie' to be sung by Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel.
Speaking about his appointment Paul commented, “I am honoured and delighted to have been invited to become Foden's President. They are truly one of the greatest ensembles in the world and have a history routed in our cultural heritage. I look forward very much to working with the band in the months and years ahead.”
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