Paul Mealor & the Royal Wedding
Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal, by Paul Mealor, was commissioned by JAM for its 3-concert visit to Scotland in 2010. It was an instant hit with audiences and critics alike, receiving 4 & 5 star reviews in several newspapers. A concert recording, made by JAM in Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh was heard by Prince William and Kate Middleton late last year, and they too fell in love with the piece. Tennyson’s poem, that Paul set, was viewed as a little ‘racey’ for such an occasion and so Paul rearranged the first movement setting the Latin text Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. – Where charity and love are, God is there. This version was premiered at Westminster Abbey on 29th April.
The piece has since topped classical download charts and propelled Paul to worldwide fame.
JAM will be performing both Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal and Ubi Caritas in its concert on 9th July, in St. Leonard’s Church, Hythe and in its concerts in Scotland later this year.