Solo soprano sings Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite hymn in historic Royal chapel

1 June 2022, 21:31 | Updated: 13 September 2022, 09:31

Soprano Alexandra Stevenson sings at The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy

By Kyle Macdonald

Two very special hymns sung in The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy, in thanksgiving for Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

2022 marked 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II became monarch of the United Kingdom.

On the date of the Queen’s accession to the throne in February 2022, two musicians wanted to make a musical gesture to mark the anniversary, together performing two hymns close to her heart.

On her 90th birthday, the Queen named some of her favourite music. Melodies by Vera Lynn and Fred Astaire featured in the list alongside two traditional hymns ‘Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven’ and ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’.

Alexandra Stevenson sings in The Queen's Chapel of the Savoy. Picture: Classic FM / Alamy

English soprano Alexandra Stevenson thought that a performance of these two much-loved church melodies would be perfect to share on the meaningful date. She was joined by Master of the Music at The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy, Philip Berg MVO, to perform in the strikingly beautiful and intimate London chapel.

These two hymns were both sung at the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten in November 1947.

The two musicians gave this performance in a beautiful, special place. The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy is an atmospheric, intimate church in the heart of London, quietly nestled beside the famous Savoy Hotel. The chapel dates from 1490 and is a Royal Peculiar, which means it has a special connection to the reigning monarch.

Sir Michael Bunbury of the Duchy of Lancaster and Her Majesty Yhe Queen the gardens of the Queen's Chapel of the Savoy in London, 2003. Picture: Alamy

The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy is open for visitors from Monday to Thursday, with services with their choir on Sunday. 10 years ago, a new stained-glass window in the chapel commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, was unveiled by the Queen.

Part of the Diamond Jubilee stained glass window at The Queen's Chapel of the Savoy London. Picture: Alamy

In April 2021, Alexandra sang another hymn in tribute. The Royal Navy hymn ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save’ was a favourite of the late Duke of Edinburgh. Here it is, sung in an empty Portsmouth Cathedral with organist David Price.