Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed that his eldest son Nicholas is ‘seriously ill’ in hospital as he bravely battles stomach cancer.
The 74-year-old legendary composer said he was “absolutely devastated” when he shared the news in a heartbreaking statement.
Andrew revealed that his son, whom he shares with ex-wife Sarah Hugill, has been suffering from the disease for 18 months.
The creator of Phantom of The Opera made the announcement when he explained why he wouldn’t be attending the premiere of his new Broadway musical, Bad Cinderella.
He wrote, “I am absolutely devastated to say that my eldest son Nick is seriously ill. As my friends and family know, he has been battling stomach cancer for 18 months and Nick is now in the hospital.”
Heartbreak: Andrew Lloyd Webber, 74, has revealed his eldest son Nicholas is ‘seriously ill’ in hospital as he bravely battles stomach cancer
Sad: Andrew revealed that Nicholas (left), who he shares with ex-wife Sarah Hugill, has been suffering from the disease for the past 18 months
“I was therefore unable to attend the recent previews of Bad Cinderella and as things stand I will not be able to cheer on the wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on Opening Night next Thursday.”
Before adding, “We are all praying for Nick to turn the corner. He fights bravely with his indomitable wit, but right now my place is with him and the family.”
Nicholas followed in his father’s footsteps and is a successful composer in his right, having written Fat Friends The Musical and numerous TV and film scores.
He is married to musician Polly Whiltshire who appeared on the soundtrack of his father’s 2019 film Cats.
Andrew is also the father of Imogen, 44, Isabella, 26, Alastair, 30, William, 29,
It comes after it was recently revealed that Andrew is one of 12 new pieces of music the King has ordered for his coronation.
Charles personally selected the musical program for the May 6 ceremony at Westminster Abbey, which is designed to showcase a range of musical talent and styles from across the UK and Commonwealth.
On a personal note, the monarch has requested that Greek Orthodox music be played in tribute to his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died in 2021.
Son: He wrote, “I am absolutely devastated to say that my oldest son Nick is seriously ill. As my friends and family know, he has been battling stomach cancer for 18 months and Nick is now in the hospital. (Nick pictured in 2010 with ex-wife Charlotte Windmill)
Talent: Nicholas followed in his father’s footsteps and is a successful composer in his right, having written Fat Friends The Musical and numerous TV and film scores
No show: The creator of The Phantom of The Opera made the announcement as he explained why he wouldn’t be attending the premiere of his new Broadway musical Bad Cinderella (pictured at the NYC theater in October with star Linedy Genao)
It is performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble.
Six orchestral commissions, five choral commissions and one organ commission were created by British composers whose styles include classical, sacred, film, television and musical theatre.
Lord Lloyd-Webber, known for successful musicals such as Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar, described himself as “incredibly honored” to be asked to compose a new national anthem.
He said: “My anthem contains words slightly adapted from Psalm 98. “I composed it for the choir and organ of Westminster Abbey, the ceremonial brass and orchestra. “I hope my national anthem reflects this joyful occasion.”
A coronation march was created by Patrick Doyle, while a piece by Iain Farrington for solo organ incorporates musical themes from Commonwealth countries.
Composer: It comes after it was recently revealed that Andrew is one of 12 new pieces of music commissioned by the King for his coronation (pictured together in 2018)
Music Man: The composer has written one of the 12 new pieces of music commissioned by the king for his coronation
There will also be new work from Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O’Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams and Debbie Wiseman.
A hand-picked gospel choir – The Ascension Choir – will perform as part of the service, as will the Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace – along with female choristers from the Chapel Choir of Methodist College, Belfast, and from Truro Cathedral Choir.
The King’s Scholars of Westminster School will proclaim the traditional ‘Vivat’ acclamations. Bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel together with soprano Pretty Yende and baritone Roderick Williams are among the soloists.
Andrew Nethsingha, organist and chorister of Westminster Abbey, will arrange the musical arrangements and conduct the music during the service.