'A dream commission': Composer who performed with Paul McCartney writes carol for world-famous Xmas service 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.
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.
"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.".
Mr Ives was given the prestigious commission for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College Chapel in Cambridge.
