Judith Weir CBE has been appointed as the new Master of the Queen’s Music.
The classical composer and musician will succeed Sir Peter Maxwell Davies in the role after his ten year fixed term appointment comes to an end.
Judith will be received by the Queen today (22 July) at Buckingham Palace before taking on the role.
The post is an honorary one, traditionally conferred on a musician of distinction. Since the reign of King George V, the position has carried no fixed duties, although the master may compose pieces for special Royal or State occasions.
Judith said: ‘It is a great honour to take up the position of Master of the Queen’s Music, in succession to Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, who has given his musical and personal gifts so freely to this unusual national role.
‘I hope to encourage everyone in the UK who sings, plays or writes music, and to hear as many of them as possible in action over the next ten years. Listening is also a skill, and I intend to uphold our rights to quietness and even silence, where appropriate. Above all, our children deserve the best we can give them, and that includes access to live music, whether as learners, performers or listeners.’
Judith began her career studying under John Tavener before enjoying numerous residences and commissions split between teaching and composing.
She was resident composer with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in the 1990s and went on to compose numerous operas. She currently lives in London, where she has had a long association with Spitalfields Music Festival, and in recent years has taught as a visiting professor at Princeton and Harvard.
The classical composer and musician will succeed Sir Peter Maxwell Davies in the role after his ten year fixed term appointment comes to an end.
Judith will be received by the Queen today (22 July) at Buckingham Palace before taking on the role.
The post is an honorary one, traditionally conferred on a musician of distinction. Since the reign of King George V, the position has carried no fixed duties, although the master may compose pieces for special Royal or State occasions.
Judith said: ‘It is a great honour to take up the position of Master of the Queen’s Music, in succession to Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, who has given his musical and personal gifts so freely to this unusual national role.
‘I hope to encourage everyone in the UK who sings, plays or writes music, and to hear as many of them as possible in action over the next ten years. Listening is also a skill, and I intend to uphold our rights to quietness and even silence, where appropriate. Above all, our children deserve the best we can give them, and that includes access to live music, whether as learners, performers or listeners.’
Judith began her career studying under John Tavener before enjoying numerous residences and commissions split between teaching and composing.
She was resident composer with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in the 1990s and went on to compose numerous operas. She currently lives in London, where she has had a long association with Spitalfields Music Festival, and in recent years has taught as a visiting professor at Princeton and Harvard.
