Lessons and Carols

On Gaudete Sunday, December 11 at 7:30pm, the Cathedral will continue its tradition tradition of splendid choral music, Gregorian chants, hymns and carols interwoven with proclamations of the Scriptures that anticipate the birth of Christ, the promised one of the ages. This year, the Schola Cantorum and the St. Matthew’s Festival Singers join 7 of our finest cathedral lectors for Lessons and Carols, telling the story of the joyful anticipation of those awaiting the Messiah.

In addition to the Great O Antiphons sung in Gregorian chant, the choir also will sing the music of Franz Biebl, Andrew Carter and Michael Praetoriu, along with Renaissance Carols.

The evening is free and open to the public. For those who are able, a suggested donation of $20 will help to defray the costs of the evening and support the music ministry during the season.

Here are some comments from last year’s Lessons and Carols

“Of all the Lessons and Carols I have attended here and abroad, this was the most beautiful I have ever experienced.”

“What a fantastic evening!  Everything came together beautifully tonight.  The quality of the singing was superb — the congregation (audience) was rapt throughout.  At various times, the wonderful acoustics of the Cathedral added significantly to the effect as sound lingered, echoed, faded out.”

Caroling in the Great Hall

After Lessons and Carols in the Cathedral, the festivities will continue in the Great Hall where we will sing traditional Christmas Carols and Songs while enjoying Christmas cookies, a traditional spiced wassail and eggnog.  All are welcome!