On Sunday, December 16at 7:30 pm the Tabor Academy choirs and student and faculty readers will present their annual Festival of Lessons and Carols in Wickenden Chapel, 81 Spring Street, Marion. The choral ensembles, including over 50 choristers in all, will lead the congregation in seasonal carols.
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a time-honored tradition of nine lessons and musical pieces that celebrate Christmas. Traditionally performed on Christmas Eve, this service was made popular by the King’s College in Cambridge, UK, with the long-standing tradition of beginning the program with the selection “Once in Royal David’s City.”
Tabor’s new choral director, Dr. Tianxu Zhou said, “Like many holiday celebrations, our program of Lessons and Carols has many elements that pay homage to traditions of the past, such as the opening selection “Once in Royal David’s City” and other beloved carols. This year, it is our pleasure to present some contemporary and culturally diverse selections such as “Ukuthula” (An African Prayer for Peace).”
The Wickenden Chapel doors will be open at 7:00 pm and admission is free to the public. “We hope you will bring family and friends and enjoy the season with us,” said Kerry Saltonstall, Director of Communications. “If you can’t be with us in person, enjoy the live-stream on Tabor Academy’s Facebook page.”