Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols, A [world Service]

The Festival, live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, 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.

Programme:

Once in royal David's city (arr. Stephen Cleobury)

- Bidding Prayer read by the Dean

This is the truth sent from above (arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams)

- First lesson: Genesis 3, vv 8-19 read by a Chorister

Adam lay ybounden (Boris Ord)

A Virgin most pure (arr. Stephen Cleobury)

- Second lesson: Genesis 22 vv 15-18 read by a Choral Scholar

In dulci jubilo (arr. Robert Lucas de Pearsall)

If ye would hear the angels sing (Peter Tranchell)

- Third lesson: Isaiah 9 vv 2, 6-7 read by a Representative of the Cambridge Churches

Sussex Carol (arr. Philip Ledger)

God rest you merry, gentlemen (arr. David Willcocks)

- Fourth lesson: Isaiah 11 vv 1-3a, 4a, 6-9 read by a Representative of the City of Cambridge A tender shoot (Otto Goldschmidt)

Det är en ros utsprungen (arr. Jan Sandström)

- Fifth lesson: Luke 1 vv 26-35, 38 read by the Master over the Choristers

Hymne à la Vierge (Pierre Villette)

Sunny Bank (arr. Peter Hurford)

- Sixth lesson: Luke 2 vv 1, 3-7 read by the Chaplain

Mariä Wiegenlied (Max Reger)

The holly and the ivy (arr. June Nixon)

- Seventh lesson: Luke 2 vv 8-16 read by the Director of Music

While shepherds watched (arr. Stephen Cleobury)

Illuminare, Jerusalem (Judith Weir)

- Eighth lesson: Matthew 2 vv 1-12 read by the Vice-Provost

Christmas Carol (Einojuhani Rautavaara - first performance, commissioned by King's College)

Ding, dong, merrily (arr. Mack Wilberg)

- Ninth lesson: John 1 vv 1-14 read by the Provost

O come, all ye faithful (arr. Stephen Cleobury)

- Collect and Blessing

Hark! the herald angels sing (arr. David Willcocks)

Organ voluntaries:

In dulci jubilo BWV 729 (JS Bach)

Prelude & Fugue in B (Marcel Dupré)

Choir of King's College, Cambridge

Director of Music: Stephen Cleobury

Organ Scholar: Ben-San Lau

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

Repeats:

Friday 24th December

21:30 GMT (West Africa)

Saturday 25th December

01:30 GMT (The Americas)

04:30 GMT (East Asia)

09:30 GMT (Australasia)

10:30 GMT (Australasia)

Please send any comments and questions to: world.class@bbc.co.uk

The Traditional Service of Readings and Carols from King's College Cambridge

The Festival, live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, 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.

Programme:

Once in royal David's city (arr.

Stephen Cleobury)

- Bidding Prayer read by the Dean

This is the truth sent from above (arr.

Ralph Vaughan Williams)

- First lesson: Genesis 3, vv 8-19 read by a Chorister

Adam lay ybounden (Boris Ord)

A Virgin most pure (arr.

- Second lesson: Genesis 22 vv 15-18 read by a Choral Scholar

In dulci jubilo (arr.

Robert Lucas de Pearsall)

If ye would hear the angels sing (Peter Tranchell)

- Third lesson: Isaiah 9 vv 2, 6-7 read by a Representative of the Cambridge Churches

Sussex Carol (arr.

Philip Ledger)

God rest you merry, gentlemen (arr.

David Willcocks)

- Fourth lesson: Isaiah 11 vv 1-3a, 4a, 6-9 read by a Representative of the City of Cambridge A tender shoot (Otto Goldschmidt)

Det är en ros utsprungen (arr.

Jan Sandström)

- Fifth lesson: Luke 1 vv 26-35, 38 read by the Master over the Choristers

Hymne à la Vierge (Pierre Villette)

Sunny Bank (arr.

Peter Hurford)

- Sixth lesson: Luke 2 vv 1, 3-7 read by the Chaplain

Mariä Wiegenlied (Max Reger)

The holly and the ivy (arr.

June Nixon)

- Seventh lesson: Luke 2 vv 8-16 read by the Director of Music

While shepherds watched (arr.

Illuminare, Jerusalem (Judith Weir)

- Eighth lesson: Matthew 2 vv 1-12 read by the Vice-Provost

Christmas Carol (Einojuhani Rautavaara - first performance, commissioned by King's College)

Ding, dong, merrily (arr.

Mack Wilberg)

- Ninth lesson: John 1 vv 1-14 read by the Provost

O come, all ye faithful (arr.

- Collect and Blessing

Hark! the herald angels sing (arr.

Organ voluntaries:

In dulci jubilo BWV 729 (JS Bach)

Prelude & Fugue in B (Marcel Dupré)

Choir of King's College, Cambridge

Director of Music: Stephen Cleobury

Organ Scholar: Ben-San Lau

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

Repeats:

Friday 24th December

21:30 GMT (West Africa)

Saturday 25th December

01:30 GMT (The Americas)

04:30 GMT (East Asia)

09:30 GMT (Australasia)

10:30 GMT (Australasia)

Please send any comments and questions to: world.class@bbc.co.uk

The Traditional Service of Readings and Carols from King's College Cambridge

The Festival, live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, 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.

Programme:

Once in royal David's city (arr.

Stephen Cleobury)

- Bidding Prayer read by the Dean

This is the truth sent from above (arr.

Ralph Vaughan Williams)

- First lesson: Genesis 3, vv 8-19 read by a Chorister

Adam lay ybounden (Boris Ord)

A Virgin most pure (arr.

- Second lesson: Genesis 22 vv 15-18 read by a Choral Scholar

In dulci jubilo (arr.

Robert Lucas de Pearsall)

If ye would hear the angels sing (Peter Tranchell)

- Third lesson: Isaiah 9 vv 2, 6-7 read by a Representative of the Cambridge Churches

Sussex Carol (arr.

Philip Ledger)

God rest you merry, gentlemen (arr.

David Willcocks)

- Fourth lesson: Isaiah 11 vv 1-3a, 4a, 6-9 read by a Representative of the City of Cambridge A tender shoot (Otto Goldschmidt)

Det är en ros utsprungen (arr.

Jan Sandström)

- Fifth lesson: Luke 1 vv 26-35, 38 read by the Master over the Choristers

Hymne à la Vierge (Pierre Villette)

Sunny Bank (arr.

Peter Hurford)

- Sixth lesson: Luke 2 vv 1, 3-7 read by the Chaplain

Mariä Wiegenlied (Max Reger)

The holly and the ivy (arr.

June Nixon)

- Seventh lesson: Luke 2 vv 8-16 read by the Director of Music

While shepherds watched (arr.

Illuminare, Jerusalem (Judith Weir)

- Eighth lesson: Matthew 2 vv 1-12 read by the Vice-Provost

Christmas Carol (Einojuhani Rautavaara - first performance, commissioned by King's College)

Ding, dong, merrily (arr.

Mack Wilberg)

- Ninth lesson: John 1 vv 1-14 read by the Provost

O come, all ye faithful (arr.

- Collect and Blessing

Hark! the herald angels sing (arr.

Organ voluntaries:

In dulci jubilo BWV 729 (JS Bach)

Prelude and Fugue in B (Marcel Dupré)

Choir of King's College, Cambridge

Director of Music: Stephen Cleobury

Organ Scholar: Ben-San Lau

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

Repeats:

Friday 24th December

21:30 GMT (West Africa)

Saturday 25th December

01:30 GMT (The Americas)

04:30 GMT (East Asia)

09:30 GMT (Australasia)

10:30 GMT (Australasia)

Please send any comments and questions to: world.class@bbc.co.uk

The Traditional Service of Readings and Carols from King's College Cambridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

For many people around the world, the Festival - 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.

Photo: Getty Images

For many people around the world, the Festival - 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.

Photo: Getty Images

A traditional celebration of Christmas with the annual Carol Service from King's College Cambridge.

A traditional celebration of Christmas with the annual Carol Service from King's College Cambridge.

For many 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.

Live from the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge

Hymn: Once in Royal David's City (desc. David Willcocks)

Bidding Prayer read by the Dean

What Sweeter Music? (John Rutter)

First lesson: Genesis 3 vv 8-19 read by a Chorister

This is the truth sent from above (Ralph Vaughan Williams)

Adam Lay Ybounden (Boris Ord)

Second lesson: Genesis 22 vv 15-18 read by a Choral Scholar

Ding, Dong, Merrily on High (David Willcocks)

In Dulci Jubilo (Robert Lucas Pearsall)

Third lesson: Isaiah 9 vv 2, 6-7 read by a member of the College staff.

Sussex Carol (arr. David Willcocks)

Hymn: It came upon the midnight clear (desc. Stephen Cleobury)

Fourth lesson: Isaiah 11 vv 1-3a, 4a, 6-9 read by a representative of the City of Cambridge.

A Tender Shoot (arr. Otto Goldschmidt)

A Spotless Rose (Philip Ledger)

Fifth lesson: Luke 1 vv 26-38 read by a representative of our Sister College at Eton.

The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (arr. David Willcocks)

Nova, Nova (John Scott)

Sixth lesson: Luke 2 vv 1 -7 read by the Chaplain

In The Bleak Midwinter (Harold Darke)

Dormi, Jesu (John Rutter)

Seventh lesson: Luke 2 vv 8-16 read by the Director of Music

The Shepherd's Carol (Bob Chilcott)

Hymn: God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (arr. David Willcocks)

Eighth lesson: Matthew 2 vv 1-12 read by the Vice-Provost

The Flight (Richard Causton – newly commissioned)

Here is the Little Door (Herbert Howells)

Ninth lesson: John 1 vv 1-14 read by the Provost

Hymn: O come, all ye faithful (arr. David Willcocks)

Blessing

Hymn: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (arr. David Willcocks)

Organ voluntaries:

In dulci jubilo (BWV 729) (Bach)

Sortie on 'In dulci jubilo' (David Briggs) (broadcast on Radio 3 on Christmas Day only)

Director of Music: Stephen Cleobury

Organ Scholar: Tom Etheridge

Organ Scholar: Richard Gowers

Producer: Philip Billson

(Picture: The Chapel of King's College Cambridge)

For many 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.

Live from the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge

Hymn: Once in Royal David's City (desc. David Willcocks)

Bidding Prayer read by the Dean

What Sweeter Music? (John Rutter)

First lesson: Genesis 3 vv 8-19 read by a Chorister

This is the truth sent from above (Ralph Vaughan Williams)

Adam Lay Ybounden (Boris Ord)

Second lesson: Genesis 22 vv 15-18 read by a Choral Scholar

Ding, Dong, Merrily on High (David Willcocks)

In Dulci Jubilo (Robert Lucas Pearsall)

Third lesson: Isaiah 9 vv 2, 6-7 read by a member of the College staff.

Sussex Carol (arr. David Willcocks)

Hymn: It came upon the midnight clear (desc. Stephen Cleobury)

Fourth lesson: Isaiah 11 vv 1-3a, 4a, 6-9 read by a representative of the City of Cambridge.

A Tender Shoot (arr. Otto Goldschmidt)

A Spotless Rose (Philip Ledger)

Fifth lesson: Luke 1 vv 26-38 read by a representative of our Sister College at Eton.

The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (arr. David Willcocks)

Nova, Nova (John Scott)

Sixth lesson: Luke 2 vv 1 -7 read by the Chaplain

In The Bleak Midwinter (Harold Darke)

Dormi, Jesu (John Rutter)

Seventh lesson: Luke 2 vv 8-16 read by the Director of Music

The Shepherd's Carol (Bob Chilcott)

Hymn: God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (arr. David Willcocks)

Eighth lesson: Matthew 2 vv 1-12 read by the Vice-Provost

The Flight (Richard Causton – newly commissioned)

Here is the Little Door (Herbert Howells)

Ninth lesson: John 1 vv 1-14 read by the Provost

Hymn: O come, all ye faithful (arr. David Willcocks)

Blessing

Hymn: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (arr. David Willcocks)

Organ voluntaries:

In dulci jubilo (BWV 729) (Bach)

Sortie on 'In dulci jubilo' (David Briggs) (broadcast on Radio 3 on Christmas Day only)

Director of Music: Stephen Cleobury

Organ Scholar: Tom Etheridge

Organ Scholar: Richard Gowers

Producer: Philip Billson

(Picture: The Chapel of King's College Cambridge)

A traditional celebration of Christmas with the annual Carol Service from King's College Cambridge.

A traditional celebration of Christmas with the annual Carol Service from King's College Cambridge.

Christmas carols and readings live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge

From King's College, Cambridge, the traditional celebration of the birth of Christ in r.

From King's College, Cambridge, the traditional celebration of the birth of Christ in r...

From King's College, Cambridge, the traditional celebration of the birth of Christ in readings from the Bible and choral music.

From King's College, Cambridge, the traditional celebration of the birth of Christ in r...

From King's College, Cambridge, the traditional celebration of the birth of Christ in readings from the Bible and choral music.