LPO to Release Diamond Jubilee CD

The London Philharmonic Orchestra is set to honour Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with the release of the Official CD of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Featuring leading British musicians, the CD offers a programme of works associated with the British monarchy and major Thameside landmarks.

The release is scheduled to coincide with the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s appearance at the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on June 3 where it will join the flotilla of boats and barges sailing down the Thames in celebration of The Queen’s 60 years as monarch. 

Speaking of the CD and the orchestra’s participation, Timothy Walker, the Orchestra’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director, explained how the choices of music were made to reflect both the Royal Family and the river. 

He said: “I began by looking at British ceremonial music and moved on to other works by British and Commonwealth composers suitable for a summer’s afternoon. 

“I then realised that many works were connected with buildings and monuments along the Pageant’s route. There were times when I was stumped – Battersea Power Station didn’t quite work for me! But I finally compiled a list of pieces appropriate to the Diamond Jubilee festivities.” 

Among the pieces chosen for the project are Thomas Arne’s Rule Britannia!, Sir William Walton’s march Orb and Sceptre and William Blake’s Jerusalem. Also featured are a number of movie themes including Eric Coates’ march of The Dam Busters and Monty Norman’s James Bond Theme. 

Conducted by David Parry and released on June 6, the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant will donate £1 from every copy sold to the Thames Diamond Jubilee Foundation which supports youth and education products both at home and in the Commonwealth.