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King Charles hosted a reception at Windsor Castle to celebrate community music across the UK, following the recent launch of his personal music playlist.
The event recognised those involved in grassroots music groups and projects, with a focus on volunteers and community leaders.
His Majesty, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, welcomed 350 guests to highlight the vital role music plays in strengthening communities.
The reception featured performances in the Waterloo Chamber, compèred by radio presenter Katie Derham.
King Charles hosted a reception at Windsor Castle to celebrate community music across the UK, following the recent launch of his personal music playlist
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Musicians from The Royal College of Music, The Sing for Freedom Choir and artist YolanDa Brown performed for the guests, along with the London Gay Men’s Chorus singing from the balcony to attendees as they arrived.
The London Gay Men’s Chorus, founded in 1991 during the AIDS crisis, now has over 300 members.
Following the performances, the royal party met guests during a reception in St George’s Hall, where the Songs for Ukraine Chorus and London Vegetable Orchestra also performed.
The London Vegetable Orchestra is the UK’s only ensemble using instruments crafted from local vegetables including peppers, potatoes and carrot recorders.
King Charles welcomed 350 guests to Windsor Castle
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The reception aimed to showcase the diversity of community music, with performances from groups with unique backgrounds and missions.
The Sing for Freedom Choir brings together torture survivors in a spirit of joy and hope.
The reception follows the King’s recent launch of “The King’s Music Room”, a personal playlist created in partnership with Apple Music.
The collection features artists from across the Commonwealth, including Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue and Grace Jones.
King Charles aimed to highlight the vital role music plays in strengthening communities
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Nigerian-American singer Davido and British artist Raye are also included in the selection.
The King was photographed at Buckingham Palace for the project, with an “on air” sign displayed on his desk.
In a personal admission, Charles said: “Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. I know that is also the case for so many others.”
“It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to take us to distant places. But perhaps, above all, it can lift our spirits… In other words, it brings us joy.”