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Choristers of the Coronation

Factual: History

Music: Classical: Choral

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Choristers of the Coronation

One time boy choristers recall the thrill of singing at the 1953 Coronation.

One time boy choristers fondly recall 1953, and the magical experience of singing at Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. From 2013.

One-time boy choristers remember the thrill of singing at the Coronation of Elizabeth II. 

With the help of the Royal School of Church Music, the country was scoured for the very best choristers to supplement singers from the elite choirs of London. All told, over 180 boys sang at the famous event within a choir of around 400.

Some of the choristers recall their selection and training back in 1953, including Stanley Roocroft from Blackburn Cathedral and Eddie Officer from Belfast's St Anne's Cathedral.
 
They gathered for a month's rehearsal at Addington Palace near Croydon. For some it was their first time away from home.

Recollections include the huge job of converting Westminster Abbey to accommodate 8,000, aided by the installation of a railway. 

Producer: Andrew Green

An Andrew Green production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in May 2013.

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