For the first time, a woman has been named to the prestigious post of Master of the Queen’s Music.

Scottish-born Judith Weir is a composer and educator who has written music for the BBC Proms, along with operas and choral works. She begins the post as Master of the Queen’s Music today. The honorary position carries no official duties, although she may be called on to compose for official occasions.

Weir says she hopes to hear as many performances as possible during her tenure. She says, “Listening is also a skill, and I intend to uphold our rights to quietness and even silence, where appropriate. Above all, our children deserve the best we can give them, and that includes access to live music, whether as learners, performers or listeners.”

Judith Weir will be Master of the Queen’s Music for ten years.