Lessons and Carols presented in the Cathedral at 7:30pm by The Schola Cantorum and Festival Singers, followed by Christmas Caroling in the Great Hall of the Rectory with Christmas sweets, eggnog and wassail

Once again the Cathedral continues its 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, 32 singers including the Schola Cantorum and the St. Matthew’s Festival Singers join 7 of our finest cathedral lectors 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 (Ave Maria) Michael Praetorius (Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming), Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (Gaude et Laetare), Tomás Luis de Victoria (Alternatim chant and polyphony on Conditor Alme Siderum with choral ‘surround sound’ sung beneath the central dome) and Eric Whitacre (Lux Aurumque). 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.

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.