Hayley Westenra to sing Paul Mealor's Royal Baby lullaby

3 May 2013, 11:55 | Updated: 10 July 2013, 17:44

The latest album from the New Zealand soprano is to be dedicated to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first baby, and features a newly composed lullaby by Paul Mealor.

Soprano Hayley Westenra is set to release an album of lullaby music, celebrating the new arrival of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The album, entitled Hushabye, is intended to be a therapeutic selection of music to calm and relax newborn babies, as well as soothing adults after a stressful day.

Contemporary composer Paul Mealor, who composed his Ubi Caritas for the Royal Wedding in 2011, has written a new song Sleep On, especially for the album. It will also feature lullaby music including Hushabye Mountain and Twinkle Twinkle, alongside classic vocal pieces.

Mealor said it was an honour to compose for the album, describing it as 'amazing'. "After writing music for the Royal Wedding it seemed natural to provide the musical accompaniment for the next stage of the royal couple’s journey together," he said.

Classic FM played the world's first broadcast of Mealor's Sleep On during John Suchet's show on 9 May.