Though the texts are ancient, and the music spans all of church history, this form of service is modern - it was first drawn up for use in the wooden shed that served as the cathedral in Truro, and first sung on Christmas Eve in 1880. It took almost four decades for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols to make its way to the choir of King's College at Cambridge University. For many today, this sacred service of hymns, carols, and readings – opening with "Once in royal David's city" – puts Christ back into Christmas, gently beckoning us away from the madding crowds of the secular yule 'holiday' season. Anchored by the Choir of Men and Boys, the Parish of All Saints' Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is free - not even an offering will be taken. Bring your wonder, and behold.

The Program

The Truth from Above
 arr. Philip Moore

Ding dong! merrily on high
Mack Wilberg

The Manger Carol
Leo Sowerby

Lully, lullay
Philip Stopford

What is this lovely fragrance
Healy Willan

Joseph lieber, Joseph mein
Hieronymus Praetorius

Jesus child
John Rutter

Bogorodiste devo
Sergei Rachmaninoff

Seek him that maketh the seven stars
Jonathan Dove

In the bleak midwinter
Harold Darke

Organ
Allein Gott in der Höh' sei Ehr'
J.S. Bach (BWV 676)

Noel Suisse
Louis-Claude Daquin

Audioclip - Ave Maria (RObert Parsons)

Choir of Men and Boys | Parish of All Saints, Ashmont. (Recorded 2016)

 

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Andrew Sheranian

 

Andrew Sheranian
Organist and Master of Choristers