As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped aside to sign their register at their Royal Wedding, teen cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason took center stage to perform.
The 19-year-old prodigy stole the show in his performances of Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” Gabriel Fauré’s “Après un rêve” and Maria Theresia von Paradis’ “Sicilienne.”
Here are five things to know about the young musician:
1. He Is A Celebrated Performer
He was a winner of 2016’s BBC Young Musician award, the first black musician to win the prestigious award.
2. Both Harry And Meghan Are Fans
Prince Harry first saw Kanneh-Mason perform last year at an event in London in support of the work of Antiguan charity the Halo Foundation, according to Kensington Palace. But it was Markle who called Kanneh-Mason to ask him to perform at her wedding.
“I’m so excited and honoured to perform at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding,” Kanneh-Mason announced earlier this year. “I was bowled over when Ms Markle called me to ask if I would play during the ceremony, and of course I immediately said yes!!! What a privilege. I can’t wait!”
3. He Is A Chart-Topper
Kanneh-Mason dropped his debut album, “Inspiration,” this year and it hit #1 on the U.K. classical chart. According to CNN, he is the youngest-ever cellist to enter both the classical and main chart.
4. He Comes From A Big Musical Family
The young musician is from a family of seven children, all of whom are all extremely talented musicians, according to the Financial Times. His mother was born in Sierra Leone, while his father’s family hails from Antigua.
5. He Has Been Playing The Cello Since He Was Aged 6
Kanneh-Mason began learning the cello when he was 6 years old. He is currently a full-time scholarship student at The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, according to his website.
Watch Sheku’s full performance below.