ST. BART'S

This beautiful service of music, scripture, processions and candlelight includes the reading of prophesies foretelling the birth of Christ followed by sung carols of the season. The first service of Lessons and Carols was created by E. W. Benson, dean of Truro Cathedral, and later Archbishop of Canterbury, and was first held on Christmas Eve of 1880 in the wooden shed, which served as the cathedral at that time. Almost immediately, other churches adapted the service for their own use. Perhaps, the most famous service of Lessons and Carols takes place each Christmas Eve in the chapel of King's College in Cambridge, which has performed the service since 1918. The service at King's has been broadcast live annually since 1928 and has attracted millions of listeners.

St. Bartholomew’s Choir, St. Bart’s Singers and St. Bartholomew’s Boy and Girl Choristers will sing choral works of Archer, Carter, Lloyd, Ledger, Noble, Palestrina, Tavener and Pä rt. The choirs will be conducted by William Trafka and Paolo Bordignon. Dr. Bordignon will also be the organist for the service. The service will be free and all are welcome. There is a short Eucharist in the Chapel immediately following.