(MACON) For the ninth consecutive year, the Mercer University Singers will present “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6, 7:30 p.m., in Newton Chapel. The Mercer Singers will be under the direction of Dr. Stanley L. Roberts and accompanied by University Organist Robert Parris. Tickets are $5.
The annual Christmas event was adapted from the traditional “Service of Lessons and Carols” held at King’s College, Cambridge University each Christmas Eve. The King’s College service is itself an adaptation of a service instituted by Archbishop Benson at Truro Cathedral and was first presented on Christmas Eve, 1919. It continues to be a much celebrated annual tradition that is broadcast throughout the world from King’s Chapel.
The “Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols” is structured around nine Biblical readings enhanced by choral settings that reflect upon the text. The musical settings are interchangeable, and the Mercer Singers’ presentation will feature compositions from the Renaissance to the 20th Century, incorporating European classics as well as American folksong. All but one of the choral settings will be sung a cappella.
Interspersed throughout the service are traditional carols, such as “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” and “O Come All Ye Faithful,” which will be sung by the congregation and choir.
For more information or to make reservations, call 478-301-2748.
