The Choirs of Kentucky Wesleyan College will present the College's annual Festival of Lessons & Carols on Dec. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Stephen Cathedral at 610 Locust St. in Owensboro.

The service will include readings from scripture and choral music by composers John Rutter, James MacMillan, Tomàs Luis de Victoria and more. The Kantorei Chamber Singers will collaborate with the newly formed Wesleyan Brass Ensemble to perform Daniel Pinkham's "Christmas Cantata" as prelude music. The service will conclude with Gustav Nordqvist's "Jul, jul,” sung by the Wesleyan Singers encircling the audience. All in attendance will sing traditional carols throughout the service.

The Festival of Lessons & Carols, a tradition begun in England on Christmas Eve in 1880, weaves scripture readings and carols of the season in stirring homage to the birth of Christ. A much-beloved version of the festival began at King’s College, Cambridge, in 1918, and is broadcast world-wide every Christmas Eve.

"The service has become a treasured tradition in the community, and this year's will be one to remember for the inclusion of celebratory brass music," said Director of Choral Music Dr. Bradley Naylor.

Reservations are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors, and may be made by calling the office of the academic dean of the college at 270-852-3117. -- Kentucky Wesleyan College

 

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