Weddings are a happy time, one of the happiest memories in the lives of many.
What’s not to love? They’re beautiful, memorable and filled with the excitement of two people joining together in union. For some, getting married is akin to achieving the ultimate life goal. So inviting your friends and loved ones to surround you and celebrate comes naturally. But, what happens when celebrities get married? What about the Royal Family? It seems that not just your friends and family, but everyone else is watching too.
That was just the case when Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in May 2018.
According to Nielsen data, a broadcast audience of 29.2 million people tuned in from the United States, and as many as 1.9 billion people worldwide.
An eagerly anticipating audience looked on in wonder and affection as the next generation walked down the aisle of St. George’s Chapel.
However, before the ceremony commenced, the entire affair was ushered in by a very special cellist—and all eyes were on him.
Meet 19-year-old Sheku Kanneh-Mason from Nottingham, U.K.
The young man became widely popular in Britain after winning the 2016 BBC Young Musician competition.
He was the first black musician to win the prestigious BBC competition since it was launched in 1978. Following this gigantic win, his debut album Inspiration topped the classical music charts.
His talent won over the attention and affections of Meghan Markle.
Kanneh-Mason announced on Twitter in April before the wedding that he received a personal call from the bride-to-be, requesting that he perform at the ceremony.
His remark?
“Of course I immediately said yes! What a privilege.”
On the big day, Kanneh-Mason serenaded the couple as they signed their wedding registry. Simultaneously, he introduced himself to an incredibly large audience.
The teenager played three arrangements for the couple, accompanied by an orchestra.
He played “Après un Rêve” by French composer Gabriel Fauré, “Sicilienne” by Maria Theresia von Paradis and Schubert’s “Ave Maria.”
That was enough to spark immediate discourse about his outrageously evident talent!
In the hours following the wedding, the internet buzzed with interest over the young cellist.
United, the world scrambled to find out more about the musician. One headline of a German magazine read, “Who was the man with the cello?” Another internet celebrity news website gave readers “5 things to know about the hunky 19-year-old wedding cellist.”
Following the wedding performance, Kanneh-Mason enjoyed much attention. Although sometimes, breakthrough performances can stamp you for life. For better or for worse, it’s possible that he will always be known as “the cellist who played at the royal wedding”. But this likely remains just a label.
The cellist recently pointed out in an interview that “in terms of performances I’m most proud of, [the royal wedding] wouldn’t necessarily come into my top ones, musically.”
But he’s gladly used the opportunity as a launchpad for further success.
The cellist has capitalized on the fame that the royal wedding performance produced.
He’s used the spark to further drive his musical development while preparing the launch of a career as an international artist.
But if one thing is for certain, he made this highly memorable royal wedding even more so.
Check out this stunning performance for yourself in the video below and be sure to follow Kanneh-Mason for upcoming performances and releases.
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