Premieres for the 75th and 76th Anniversaries of the Commonwealth
Two trumpet quintets commissioned by the Speaker of the UK House of Commons hailed the 75th and 76th anniversaries of the Commonwealth in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Composed by British composer Jack Ledger-Dowse, these works were performed by musicians from the Band of the Irish Guards and the Royal College of Music in a series of events at the Palace of Westminster.In March 2024, the Band of the Irish Guards accompanied Sir Lindsay Hoyle and a number of other dignitaries’ processional entrance to the 75th anniversary Speaker’s Dinner in a performance of Ledger-Dowse’s Fanfare. Surrounded by the grandeur of Central Lobby, distinguished guests and parliamentary speakers from dozens of Commonwealth countries, and directors from theRoyal College of Music, were in attendance.
Later that evening, a second work by Ledger-Dowse, Anthem, was performed by Royal College of Music trumpeters under the composer’s baton. A longer and more reflective piece, Anthem traces the Commonwealth’s journey since its founding in 1949 and was warmly received by guests.
The following morning, as part of the annual Commonwealth flag-raising ceremony, Anthem was reprised in Portcullis House alongside a parade of all 56 Commonwealth flags, culminating in the raising of the Commonwealth flag. The celebratory spirit continued in 2025, when both the Fanfare and Anthem were once again performed at that year’s flag-raising, attended by current and former Members of Parliament, including Dame Priti Patel and former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans.
Similar events were held across the UK, including the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, attended by King Charles III and featuring a new composition by Errollyn Wallen, one of Ledger-Dowse’s former professors.
With multiple ceremonial works already in circulation—including a graduation fanfare for the Royal College of Music—Ledger-Dowse’s writing for trumpet continues to find a resonant and public voice. His music combines regal clarity with idiomatic writing for the instrument, celebrating not only a global union of nations, but also the power and versatility of the trumpet at the heart of state ceremony.