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Meghan Markle rings teen prodigy cellist to ask him to play at her wedding

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, British cellist  - Alicia Canter /eyevine
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, British cellist - Alicia Canter /eyevine

Meghan Markle has personally telephoned a teenage cellist to ask him to play at her wedding to Prince Harry.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a rapidly rising star of the classical music world, said he was "bowled over" when Prince Harry's fiancee requested his services, and agreed immediately.

The 19-year-old cellist, who became the first black winner of the prestigious BBC Young Musician award in 2016, is among a group of artists and choral groups named as performers at Prince Harry and Ms Markle's wedding on May 19.

During the service, a gospel choir will share the bill with a traditional chapel choir, a female soprano and a trumpet soloist among others.

Mr Kanneh-Mason, who hails from a family of talented musicians, said: "I'm so excited and honoured to perform at Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle's wedding.

"I was bowled over when Ms Markle called me to ask if I would play during the ceremony, and of course I immediately said yes.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, winner of BBC Young Musician 2016 - Credit: BBC
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, winner of BBC Young Musician 2016 Credit: BBC

"What a privilege to be able to play the cello at such a wonderful event. I can't wait!"

Last June, Prince Harry saw Mr Kenneh-Mason play at an event in London in support of the work of Antiguan charity the Halo Foundation.

The couple will exchange their wedding vows in front of 600 family, friends and colleagues at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Kensington Palace said in a statement: "Both Prince Harry and Ms Markle have taken a great interest and care in choosing the music for their service, which will include a number of well-known hymns and choral works."

Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir - Credit: PA
Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir Credit: PA

The chapel will echo to the gospel sounds of the Kingdom Choir founded and directed by Karen Gibson.

Ms Gibson, who will lead her group during the service, said: "The Kingdom Choir is truly honoured to be invited to sing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Ms Markle, and very excited to be taking part in such a historic moment.

"It will be a moment that we will always treasure, and we'd like to take the opportunity to wish the couple all the very best for their coming union."

James Vivian, Organist and Director of Music at St George's Chapel  - Credit: Reuters
James Vivian, Organist and Director of Music at St George's Chapel Credit: Reuters

The Prince and Ms Markle may be planning to contrast the uplifting enthusiasm of the gospel singers with beautiful Baroque pieces, as they have picked soloists who have made their name playing this style of music.

Trumpeter David Blackadder, a Baroque specialist, who is the principal trumpet with both the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Academy of Ancient Music, will play with The Orchestra.

The Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green, comprises musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia.

Trumpet player David Blackadder - Credit: Reuters
Trumpet player David Blackadder Credit: Reuters

They will be joined by soprano Elin Manahan Thomas best known for her performances of Baroque masterpieces.

James Vivian, director of music at St George's Chapel, will be in overall control of the service's music which will also feature state trumpeters from all ranks of the Band of the Household Cavalry, St George's Chapel choir and Luke Bond, the chapel's assistant director of music, will play the organ.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry on May 19 - Credit: Eddie Mulholland
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry on May 19 Credit: Eddie Mulholland

Mr Vivian said: "The choristers, lay clerks, organists and I are very much looking forward to this exciting day and are pleased to be performing at the service music chosen by the couple.

"We are also looking forward to welcoming to St George's musical colleagues from near and far who will be performing at this very special and joyful occasion."