Australian violinist Madeleine Easton to play at Coronation after King said her music keeps him ‘sane’
Madeleine Easton was chosen to play her 1682 Giovanni Grancino violin at the Coronation after inspiring the new monarch.
Australian violin virtuoso Madeleine Easton will play at the Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey after King Charles confessed to listening to her music to “stay sane”.
“I know King Charles, he is a very kind and passionate man, he cares deeply about people and the world,” Ms Easton, who will play her 1682 Giovanni Grancino violin with the English Baroque Soloists and Monteverdi Choir the moment the King and Queen walk into the Abbey, said.
“He told me several years ago that he needs music to stay sane.
“When the pressures of his life become too much he has said he listens to me play and music transports him to a deeper level,” she said.
It was during a full dress rehearsal at Abbey that the enormity of the moment finally hit Ms Easton.
“I at first felt completely honoured and a bit starstruck,” she said.
“But today I really felt daunted, when I saw all the dignitaries and politicians and cameras setting up their angles, I thought ‘oh my goodness, this is big,’” she said.
“I just keep telling myself, ‘How did this happen? How can little me be going to such an incredible event?’
“I guess I’ve been playing the violin for 40 years and must be a bit good at it, in the same way the king has been preparing for his role all his life, and will be an excellent king to his people.”
King Charles III is the royal patron of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, the Royal College of Music, the Philharmonia Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra.
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Ms Easton, who used to live in London, will perform pieces by J.S. Bach and Anton Bruckner under the guidance of conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner, who is a friend of the King’s.
Ms Easton has been working with the high profile conductor since 2003.
“I’ve got my dress ready, I’m excited, I just hope I get it right on the day,” she said.
Originally published as Australian violinist Madeleine Easton to play at Coronation after King said her music keeps him ‘sane’