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A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

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A traditional Christimas Eve service of readings and carols from King's College, Cambridge

The traditional service of readings and carols from King's College Cambridge that, for many people around the world, signals the beginning of Christmas.

Held in the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, this service marks for many people around the world 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.

A Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols: Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols, A

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: 2011 Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols

2011 Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols

BBC World Service - A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, 2011 Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols

Christmas carols and readings from the candlelit chapel of King’s College, Cambridge.

Christmas hymns and carols sung by the choir of King’s College Cambridge, interspersed with nine Bible readings.

For many people around the world, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, 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. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)


Once in royal David's city (descant Cleobury)
Bidding Prayer read by the Dean 
I wonder as I wander (Rütti)
First lesson: Genesis 3, vv 8-19 read by a Chorister
Remember, O thou man (Ravenscroft)
Adam lay ybounden (Ord)
Second lesson: Genesis 22 vv 15-18 read by a Choral Scholar
Angels from the realms of glory (arr Jacques)
Riu, riu, chiu (Flecha)
Third lesson: Isaiah 9 vv 2, 6-7 read by a Member of College Staff
Nowell sing we now all and some (medieval)
Sussex Carol (arr Willcocks)
It came upon the midnight clear (descant Cleobury)
Fourth lesson: Isaiah 11 vv 1-3a, 4a, 6-9 read by a Representative of the City of Cambridge 
A spotless rose (arr Ledger)
The Lamb (Tavener)
Fifth lesson: Luke 1 vv 26-35, 38 read by a Representative of Eton College
Blessed be that maid Mary (arr Cleobury)
Bogoróditse Dyévo (Pärt)
Sixth lesson: Luke 2 vv 1, 3-7 read by the Chaplain
Christmas Eve (Tansy Davies – first performance, commissioned by King’s College)
Sans Day Carol (arr Rutter)
Seventh lesson: Luke 2 vv 8-16 read by the Director of Music
The Shepherd’s Carol (Chilcott)
While shepherds watched (descant Cleobury)
Eighth lesson: Matthew 2 vv 1-12 read by the Vice-Provost
The Three Kings (Cornelius arr Atkins)
Illuminare, Jerusalem (Weir)
Ninth lesson: John 1 vv 1-14 read by the Provost
O come, all ye faithful (arr Willcocks) 
Collect and Blessing
Hark! the herald angels sing (descant Willcocks) 

Organ voluntary:
In dulci jubilo BWV 729 (Bach)

Director of Music: Stephen Cleobury 
Organ Scholar: Ben-San Lau

Live broadcast: 
Saturday 24th December, 15:00 GMT 

Repeats: 
Sunday 25th December 
01:30 GMT (The Americas)  
09:30 GMT (Australasia and East Asia)
10:30 GMT (East Africa)

If you have any comments or suggestions, please email: world.class@bbc.co.uk

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