The Coronation Concert is a special musical event held to celebrate the coronation of a new monarch in the United Kingdom. It features performances by world-renowned musicians and is broadcast globally. But do the performers actually get paid for taking part in this prestigious event?
How the Coronation Concert Came About
The tradition of the Coronation Concert began in 1953 with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The first concert took place at Westminster Abbey and was incorporated into the coronation ceremony itself. It featured orchestral and choral music composed specially for the event.
Subsequent coronations have also featured a concert, usually taking place the day before at Buckingham Palace. The concert for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was relatively small and intimate. But the concerts for later coronations have become huge productions featuring multiple high-profile performers.
Who Performs at the Concert?
The performer line-up at each Coronation Concert is decided by the monarch-to-be. It usually includes musicians from the UK and the Commonwealth realms. Pop, rock, and classical musicians are all represented.
Some of the iconic performers at previous Coronation Concerts include:
- Paul McCartney, Queen, and Cliff Richard (2002 concert for Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee)
- Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, and Andrea Bocelli (2012 Diamond Jubilee concert)
- Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John (2022 Platinum Jubilee concert)
Performing at the Coronation Concert is considered a great honor. The event has a massive global audience, so it offers huge exposure for the musicians involved.
How Much are Performers Paid?
Unlike some other major events, performers do not get paid specifically for playing the Coronation Concert.
There have been rumors of huge payouts to secure top acts over the years. But Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the performers do not receive fees or royalties for taking part.
That said, expenses like travel and accommodation costs are covered for the performers and their crews.
Why Don’t Musicians Get Paid?
There are a few reasons why the musicians do not get paid salaries or royalties for the Coronation Concert:
- It is considered an honor to perform, rather than a paid gig.
- The musicians can benefit from massive global exposure.
- Performances are seen as gifts to the new monarch from the artists.
- Recording and broadcast rights belong solely to the BBC.
The high prestige and publicity value mean that most performers are happy to participate without requiring a fee.
Other Coronation Perks
While they may not get paid directly, performing at the Coronation Concert comes with plenty of other perks for the musicians involved:
- VIP royal treatment – Top-level hospitality like luxury transport and exclusive accommodation.
- Boosted record sales – Performances often lead to renewed interest and sales spikes for the artists.
- Royalty hobnobbing – Time to mingle with royals backstage before and after the concert.
- TV exposure – Appearances broadcast to hundreds of millions of viewers internationally.
So while the musicians may not pocket any fees, the benefits, perks, and prestige value make the Coronation Concert hugely rewarding to perform at.
Where Does the Money Come From?
If the artists are not paid, where does the money come from to stage the massive Coronation Concert productions?
The concerts are mainly funded by:
- The British taxpayer, through grants from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
- The BBC, which produces and broadcasts the concerts.
- Sponsorships from corporate partners and donors.
A significant portion of the budget also goes towards security and crowd management rather than performer fees.
| Year | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 2002 Jubilee Concert | £1.2 million |
| 2012 Diamond Jubilee Concert | £3.5 million |
| 2022 Platinum Jubilee Concert | £15 million |
As we can see, costs for the concerts have escalated over the years as the productions have become more grandiose.
Do Profits Go to Charity?
While the Coronation Concerts themselves are non-profit, they often involve partnerships with charitable causes. Any additional funds raised are donated to various national charities.
For example, profits from merchandise sales and broadcast rights may go to philanthropic initiatives decided on by the royal family. Recently these have included causes like the Invictus Games Foundation.
Conclusion
Performing at the UK’s Coronation Concert is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for artists. While they may not receive direct salaries or royalties, the massive exposure and prestige value make it worthwhile. Expenses like travel and accommodation are covered for performers. But on the whole, artists do not get directly paid for their participation.
Instead, funding for the concerts comes mainly from the government, BBC, and corporate sponsors. Some profits may go to charity, however, the events themselves are not designed as fundraisers. The Coronation Concert offers global publicity and the chance to perform for royalty – for the musicians, that’s payment enough.
