Saturday, December 4, 5 p.m.
As part of the Dickens Festival, which takes place in Biltmore Village December 3–5, the Cathedral Choir and the St. Cecilia Youth Choir will combine to present the very beautiful service of Advent Lessons and Music on Saturday, December 4 at 5:00 p.m. The service will include anthems for choir, including the traditional “Matin Responsory for Advent” by Palestrina, an exciting setting of “Adam lay y bounden” by the North Carolina native composer Frank Boles, and the beautiful “Hymn to the Virgin” of Benjamin Britten. The St. Cecilia Choir will offer a favorite of theirs—“How beautiful are the feet of them” from “Messiah” by George Frederic Handel. All choirs will combine to sing “Zion, at thy shining gates” by George Guest.
The congregation will participate by singing hymns and carols familiar to the season of Advent. The Advent Service of Lessons and Music is intended as a preparation for the Christmas celebration, and as such the mood is contemplative and reflective. Silence is a key element in this service to offer attendees the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of the season.
Following the service, a candlelight Advent Wine and Cheese reception will take place in Owen Library. The reception will be a great opportunity to celebrate the season with others. Please contact the cathedral office (274-2681) with any questions.