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Queen Elizabeth's Official Composer Balks at Watching Royal Wedding

ByABC News
March 21, 2011, 3:35 PM

March 21 2011— -- Instead of beating the drum celebrating Wills and Kate's big day, apparently the Queen's composer will be eating sour grapes.

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, the Queen's official composer, anticipated writing a piece for April 29th, but has yet to receive a request from the Royal family.

Though he has accepted that he will not be asked to compose a musical piece, when London newspaper, The Telegraph, asked whether he plans to watch the Royal wedding, he tersely replied, "no."

Sir Peter's boycott follows last week's announcement from Prince William and Kate detailing their chosen musicians. Included this list are the choirs of Westminster Abbey and the Chapel Royal, the Fanfare Team of trumpeters from both the RAF band and the Household Calvary, as well as the London Chamber Orchestra.

In fact, Us Magazine reports that last week, Kate again proved the special interest the couple has placed on their wedding music selection. While visiting the Cadogan Hall in Knightsbridge, Kate previewed her wedding music for a second time. On this visit, Kate spent time talking with another conductor-- the London Chamber Orchestra's conductor, Christopher Warren-Green.

A spokesperson for the London Chamber Orchestra stated, "Kate came in to see a little of what she can expect," an onlooker adding, "Everyone was very excited to see her at the rehearsals. It was totally out of the blue."

One can imagine that this news did not sit well with Sir Peter, though the perceived snub is not inappropriate. History shows that being the Queen's composer does not guarantee a musical role in Royal weddings, as his predecessor, Malcolm Williamson was also not asked to compose music when Prince Charles married Lady Diana in 1981.