A classical composer who has performed with rock star Sir Paul McCartney has been chosen to write a new carol for the world's most famous Christmas service. Bill Ives, little known outside the rarefied realm of choral music, will hear his latest work broadcast to a global audience of 160 million on Christmas Eve.
Mr Ives was given the prestigious commission for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College Chapel in Cambridge. It is, he admitted, the highlight of a career in which he has collaborated with the ex-Beatle and written music for film and TV, the enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a commemoration service at Westminster Abbey in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
'A dream commission'. Mr Ives said: "It's a great honour, a dream commission, and the pinnacle for any choral composer. It's also a great responsibility. "The King's College carol service in the chocolate-box chapel is synonymous with Christmas and I just hope I've come up with something that's worthy of the occasion.".
Princess of Wales asked Lady Gabriella Windsor to help with Christmas carol service. Wham! make chart history as Last Christmas takes festive number one spot for second time in a row. Motor agencies warn of 'pre-Christmas panic' and record traffic as millions set to make holiday journeys.
