Homage to the Queen

Homage to the Queen, Op. 42 by Malcolm Arnold was written as the official coronation ballet in 1953, commissioned by the Sadlers' Wells Ballet in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, the ballet company's musical adviser Humphrey Searle having recommended Arnold for the job.

The original choreography was directed by Frederick Ashton, original scenery and costumes by Oliver Messel. It was first performed by the Sadlers' Wells Ballet on Coronation night 2 June 1953, at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. The Orchestra was conducted by Robert Irving.

Amongst the original performers were:

The ballet became part of the Sadlers' Wells Ballet's regular repertoire during the mid-50s. In the 1990s the Queen of the Air segment was revived.

2006 recreation

To celebrate the 80th birthday of Queen Elizabeth the ballet was revived in 2006. Apart from the Entree and the Queen of the Air, much of Ashton's original choreography was lost during the years, so new ones were created for three of the sequences based on surviving material.

Concert suites

The composer created a 17 minute concert suite, Op. 42a from the ballet. There are also a version for wind band and 9 minute solo piano version.

References