Classic FM to broadcast Coronation Special with HRH The Earl of Wessex

23 September 2013, 09:30 | Updated: 23 September 2013, 09:36

We'll be broadcasting an exclusive interview with HRH The Earl of Wessex, as part of a Coronation Special in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s 60-year reign, at 8pm on 4 October.

Later this week, Classic FM is to record a unique concert at Windsor Castle, as part of the current Windsor Festival – of which The Earl is the Patron. As well as music from the evening's concert, the broadcast will feature an exclusive interview between Jane Jones and The Earl himself, revealing his thoughts about music-making in the UK and his reflections on what has been an extraordinary year for the Royal Family.

This concert will see the Choirs of the Chapels Royal, The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy and Windsor’s own St. George’s Chapel combine for the first time, to present works from the Coronation paired with choral favourites and little-known gems. In 1953, at the suggestion of Vaughan Williams and the approval of The Queen, an arrangement of the hymn Old Hundredth was included as a congregational item in the proceedings – and this aspect of the original service will be recreated on the night.

Classic FM’s Managing Editor Sam Jackson said: "We've been marking Her Majesty The Queen's extraordinary 60-year reign throughout the year on Classic FM and we're delighted to continue to do so by broadcasting this exclusive concert from Windsor Festival. Jane Jones' interview with The Earl of Wessex offers a fascinating insight into this unique event, as His Royal Highness reflects on the classical pieces that mean so much to him and his family. This very special broadcast promises to be one of the highlights of the year on Classic FM."

'A Coronation Special with The Earl of Wessex' will be broadcast on Friday 4th October from 8pm-10pm.