Rhiannon Hendricks
Sheku Kanneh-Mason is a British cellist who performed at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. Kanneh-Mason played a selection of songs, including Franz Schubert's Ave Maria, Gabriel Fauré's Après un rêve, and Maria Theresia von Paradis' Sicilienne. He was personally invited by Meghan Markle to perform at the ceremony, and his performance was seen by a global audience of 1.9 billion people. Kanneh-Mason is an incredibly talented musician who has achieved widespread recognition and success in the music industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Performer | Sheku Kanneh-Mason |
| Date | 19 May 2018 |
| Location | St George's Chapel, Windsor |
| Event | Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle |
| Songs | Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" |
| Gabriel Fauré's "Après un rêve" | |
| Maria Theresia von Paradis' "Sicilienne" |
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What You'll Learn
- Sheku Kanneh-Mason played cello at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding
- He played Fauré's Après un Rêve during the signing of the register
- He also played Ave Maria by Schubert and Sicilienne by Maria Von Paradis
- Sheku was personally asked by Meghan Markle to perform at the wedding
- The cellist was 19 years old at the time of the performance
Sheku Kanneh-Mason played cello at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a cellist, performed at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. Kanneh-Mason, who was 19 at the time, played for 600 guests at the wedding ceremony, which was held at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. Markle personally called him to invite him to perform at the wedding, and he tweeted about his excitement and honour at being invited. Kanneh-Mason's performance was seen by a global audience of 1.9 billion people.
Kanneh-Mason played Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria," Gabriel Fauré's "Après un rêve," and Maria Theresia von Paradis' "Sicilienne." He has described the day as "just really amazing" and said that he was proud to have played a small part in the celebrations.
Kanneh-Mason is the third of seven siblings raised in Nottingham, UK. His parents were not professional musicians, but they were musical, and they sacrificed a lot to ensure their children could develop artistically and personally. Kanneh-Mason himself began playing the cello when he was six years old and took music lessons and rehearsals at the Junior Department of the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Before his performance at the royal wedding, Kanneh-Mason had already gained some fame in Britain. In 2016, he won the BBC Young Musician of the Year award, becoming the first black musician to win since the award's creation in 1978. He also appeared in a documentary about his musical family, and his debut album, "Inspiration," reached number 18 in the UK Albums Charts and number one on the UK classical albums chart.
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He played Fauré's Après un Rêve during the signing of the register
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a cellist, performed during the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. Kanneh-Mason was handpicked by Meghan Markle, and his performance was witnessed by 600 guests and a global audience of 1.9 billion people. During the signing of the register, he played "Après un Rêve" by Gabriel Fauré, in addition to Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Maria Theresia von Paradis' "Sicilienne."
"Après un Rêve" is a romantic melody for the cello composed by Gabriel Fauré, a French composer, in 1878. The piece was originally a song for voice and piano, with the text written by Romain Bussine, a French poet and critic. The title translates to "After a Dream" in English, and the piece evokes a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere.
Kanneh-Mason's performance of "Après un Rêve" at the royal wedding was particularly noteworthy, as it showcased his exceptional musical talent and contributed to the intimate and emotional atmosphere of the ceremony. The song's lyrical melody and expressive harmonies provided a beautiful backdrop to the signing of the register, creating a memorable moment for the newlyweds and their guests.
Kanneh-Mason's rendition of "Après un Rêve" received widespread acclaim and helped propel him into the spotlight as one of the UK's best-known cellists. His performance at such a high-profile event also served as a testament to his dedication and passion for music, which began when he started playing the cello at the age of six.
In addition to "Après un Rêve," Kanneh-Mason's repertoire at the wedding included "Ave Maria" by Schubert and "Sicilienne" by von Paradis, further showcasing his versatility and mastery of the cello. His performance during the signing of the register was a highlight of the ceremony, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the celebration.
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He also played Ave Maria by Schubert and Sicilienne by Maria Von Paradis
Sheku Kanneh-Mason is a British cellist who performed at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. He played a selection of songs, including Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" and Maria Theresia Von Paradis' "Sicilienne".
Kanneh-Mason was handpicked by Meghan Markle to perform at her wedding to Prince Harry. His performance at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle was seen by a global audience of 1.9 billion people. The cellist was 19 years old at the time, and he played to 600 guests at the wedding.
"Ave Maria" is a well-known composition by Franz Schubert, a composer who is considered one of the greatest songwriters of the early Romantic era. The piece is a setting of a poem by Walter Scott, and it is often performed as a sacred song. The composition is known for its beautiful melody and emotional expression.
"Sicilienne" is a composition by Maria Theresia Von Paradis, a less well-known composer who was active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Von Paradis was a pianist and composer who was born in Vienna, Austria, and she is known for her elegant and expressive compositions. "Sicilienne" is a piece that showcases the composer's unique style and has become a favourite among cellists.
In addition to "Ave Maria" and "Sicilienne", Kanneh-Mason also performed "Après un Rêve" by Gabriel Fauré at the royal wedding. This piece adds to the romantic and elegant atmosphere of the wedding ceremony. Kanneh-Mason's performance at such a high-profile event further cemented his fame and established him as one of the best-known cellists in the world.
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Sheku was personally asked by Meghan Markle to perform at the wedding
Sheku Kanneh-Mason is a British cellist who was personally asked by Meghan Markle to perform at her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. Markle called him and extended the invitation, to which he immediately agreed. Kanneh-Mason was handpicked by Markle to perform at the wedding, which took place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. His performance was witnessed by a global audience of 1.9 billion people.
Kanneh-Mason's performance at the royal wedding was a memorable one, with the cellist playing a selection of classical pieces. He played Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria," Gabriel Fauré's "Après un rêve," and Maria Theresia von Paradis' "Sicilienne." The young cellist, who was 19 at the time, delivered a standout performance that stole the show. His talent and passion for the cello shone through, and he felt honoured to be a part of the couple's special day.
Kanneh-Mason's journey to becoming a renowned cellist began at a young age. He started playing the cello when he was just six years old and developed his skills over the years. In 2016, he won the BBC Young Musician of the Year award, becoming the first black musician to receive this honour. This victory propelled him into the spotlight, and he went on to perform at prestigious events like the BAFTAs.
Meghan Markle's personal invitation to Kanneh-Mason reflects her appreciation for his talent and contributes to his growing recognition as one of the best-known cellists in Britain. His performance at the royal wedding further solidified his fame and showcased his exceptional musical abilities. Kanneh-Mason's success and the opportunity to perform at such a significant event are a testament to his dedication and love for his craft.
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The cellist was 19 years old at the time of the performance
The cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason was 19 years old when he performed at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. Kanneh-Mason was handpicked by Meghan Markle to perform at the wedding. He played three pieces: Fauré's "Après un Rêve", Schubert's "Ave Maria", and "Sicilienne" by Maria Von Paradis. Kanneh-Mason's performance was seen by a global audience of 1.9 billion people.
Kanneh-Mason has been playing the cello since he was six years old. He grew up in Nottingham, the third of seven children in a musical family. His parents were not professional musicians but made sure their children could develop artistically and personally. Kanneh-Mason has cited cellists Jacqueline du Pré and Mstislav Rostropovich as his "musical heroes", along with Bob Marley.
In 2016, Kanneh-Mason won the BBC's Young Musician of the Year contest, becoming the first black musician to win the award since its creation in 1978. He also took part in a BBC Four documentary, titled "Young, Gifted and Classical: The Making of a Maestro". The same year, he signed a deal with the London-based boutique agency Enticott Music Management and a major recording contract with the classical music label Decca.
Kanneh-Mason's first full-length album, "Inspiration", was released in January 2018. It included the Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1, as well as shorter works by Shostakovich, Saint-Saëns, Offenbach, Casals, and Kanneh-Mason's own arrangement of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry". His subsequent albums, "Elgar" and "Song", have further showcased his lyrical playing and innate talent.
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Frequently asked questions
Sheku Kanneh-Mason played Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria”, Gabriel Fauré’s “Après un rêve”, and Maria Theresia von Paradis’ “Sicilienne” at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Meghan Markle personally called Sheku Kanneh-Mason to ask him to perform at the wedding.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason is a cellist and has been playing the cello since he was six years old.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason has also performed at the BAFTAs, the BBC Proms, and the Last Night of the Proms.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason is from Nottingham, England, and is the third of seven siblings. He is a former BBC Young Musician of the Year winner and first emerged into the spotlight after winning the award in 2016.
