Holiday tradition at University of Richmond continues; annual 'Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols' to be held Dec. 6

The sounds of new and familiar Christmas carols will once again fill Cannon Memorial Chapel this December.

University of Richmond’s Office of the Chaplaincy, in partnership with the Department of Music, will hold the 42nd annual “Candlelight Festival of Lessons and Carols” Dec. 6 in Cannon Memorial Chapel. Two identical community services will be offered, one at 5 p.m., and again at 8 p.m.

The university’s Schola Cantorum and Women’s Chorale will present carols as well as anthems in the tradition of the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols that was first held at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England, on Christmas Eve 1918. Arrive early for prelude music featuring Gerald Finzi’s “In terra pax” performed by Schola Cantorum and featuring Duncan Trawick, ’18, baritone.

In the past, the 5 p.m. service has attracted a large audience and has been standing room only. Those who have the option to attend the 8 p.m. service are encouraged to do so in order to guarantee seating.

University Chaplain Craig Kocher will preside over the services, which will conclude with the lighting of candles by the congregation and the singing of “Silent Night.”

For more information, visit http://chaplaincy.richmond.edu/practice/christian-life/holidays.html.

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