Live from the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge
Hymn: Once in Royal David's City (desc. Cleobury)
Bidding Prayer read by the Dean
A Babe is Born (Mathias)
First lesson: Genesis 3 vv 8-19 read by a Chorister
Remember, O Thou Man (Ravenscroft)
Adam Lay Ybounden (Ledger)
Second lesson: Genesis 22 vv 15-18 read by a Choral Scholar
One Star, at Last (Maxwell Davies)
In Dulci Jubilo (Praetorius)
Third lesson: Isaiah 9 vv 2, 6-7 read by a Representative of the Cambridge Churches
Sussex Carol (arr. Willcocks)
Hymn: Unto us is born a Son (arr. Willcocks)
Fourth lesson: Isaiah 11 vv 1-3a, 4a, 6-9 read by a Representative of the City of Cambridge
A Spotless Rose (Howells)
There Is No Rose (Medieval)
Fifth lesson: Luke 1 vv 26-38 read by a Representative of the sister College at Eton
Gabriel's Message (arr. Pettman)
Joys Seven (arr. Cleobury)
Sixth lesson: Luke 2 vv 1 -7 read by the Chaplain
Lullaby (Birtwistle)
In The Bleak Midwinter (Holst)
Seventh lesson: Luke 2 vv 8-16 read by the Director of Music
L'adieu des Bergers (Berlioz)
Hymn: God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (arr. Willcocks)
Eighth lesson: Matthew 2 vv 1-12 read by the Vice-Provost
De Maria Virgine (Rütti - newly commissioned)
Ding, Dong, Merrily on High (arr. Wilberg/Stevens)
Ninth lesson: John 1 vv 1-14 read by the Provost
Hymn: O come, all ye faithful (arr. Willcocks)
Blessing
Hymn: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (desc. Cleobury)
Organ voluntaries:
In dulci jubilo (BWV 729) (Bach)
Symphony No. 6 in g minor Finale: Vivace (Widor) [broadcast on Radio 3 on Christmas Day only]
Director of Music: Stephen Cleobury
Organ Scholar: Douglas Tang
Producer: Philip Billson
For many people around the world, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, marks the beginning of Christmas. It is based around nine Bible readings which tell the story of the loving purposes of God. They are interspersed with carols old and new, sung by the world-famous chapel choir who also lead the congregation in traditional Christmas hymns. Show less