Every year for the past century, a unique spell has been woven by the purity of a solo treble voice floated across a cavernous, candlelit 15th century chapel. The boy chorister, always selected at the last moment from the ranks of his well-drilled peers, is joined in succession by full chorus, then congregation with organ. It is an inspiring moment, and for many an indelible part of the Christmas season.
“A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” from King’s College Chapel has been a Christmas Eve tradition since 1918. It has been enjoyed by millions of listeners around the world since its first radio broadcast in 1928. (This year’s audience is projected to be 30 million.) Readings of Biblical passages are punctuated by atmospheric musical selections for the season.
Since 1983, the program has also incorporated a newly-commissioned work, expanding the repertoire with contributions by some of the world’s foremost composers: Thomas Adès, Richard Rodney Bennett, Lennox Berkeley, Judith Bingham, Harrison Birtwistle, Brett Dean, Alexander Goehr, Robin Holloway, James MacMillan, Nicholas Maw, Peter Maxwell Davies, Thea Musgrave, Arvo Pärt, Stephen Paulus, John Rutter, John Tavener, Einojuhani Rautavaara, and Peter Sculthorpe are among those who have contributed. This year, the honor has fallen to Judith Weir, who currently holds the title of Master of the Queen’s Music. (She is the first woman to do so.)
This expansion of the Christmas choral repertoire was spearheaded by Stephen Cleobury. Cleobury has been director of music at King’s College, Cambridge, since 1982. He will retire from his position on September 30, 2019. Monday will be the final “Lessons and Carols” given under his direction.
The Classical Network will once again broadcast this beloved annual tradition live on Christmas Eve morning at 10:00 EST.
For additional insights, join Rachel Katz for an exclusive interview with Cleobury on “A Tempo.” Cleobury will talk about the history of the service, his experiences in leading it, and the role it has played in the broader world of choral music. Also on the program will be a conversation with James Jordan, who in 1992 launched Westminster Choir College’s own “Evening of Readings and Carols.”
“A Tempo” can be heard tonight at 7:00 EST, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.
