King's musical sage Errollyn Wallen blazes new path

Told she would never belong in the world of classical music, Errollyn Wallen has risen to become the composer to King Charles III and the first person of colour in the historic role.

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London – Told she would never belong in the world of classical music, Errollyn Wallen has risen to become the composer to King Charles III and the first person of colour in the historic role.

The 67-year-old became the Master of the King's Music last year, a 400-year-old post and one of the classical world's top honours that involves composing works for landmark events and advising the king on musical matters for royal occasions.

"He's very musical, which everybody's really thrilled about," Wallen said.

"He likes listening to music and he is curious about it – he has broad tastes, which is really wonderful," added Wallen, who premiered her "funky" new composition Elements at the first night of the renowned Proms music festival in London last Friday.