William McKie (musician)

He was Organist and Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey 1941–1963 and noted for his direction of the music for the marriage of Princess Elizabeth in 1947, and later her Coronation in 1953.

He gave regular and popular lunch-time recitals at Melbourne Town Hall for seven years in this capacity, commencing 8 April 1931.

In 1934 while continuing as Melbourne City Organist he was appointed Director of Music at Geelong Grammar School by the then headmaster, James Ralph Darling.

[5] McKie was responsible for reforming the Abbey Choir after the war, and in 1947 directed the music for the marriage of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, for which he composed his most famous work, We wait for thy loving kindness, O God.

[8] Later, McKie was to direct the music for the marriage of Princess Margaret in 1960; for this occasion he composed a setting of Psalm 121 and of the Wedding Responses from the Book of Common Prayer.

[10] McKie was a vice-president of the Percy Grainger Festival, held in London in 1970, and successfully lobbied the Australian government for financial assistance.