Choral Services at the Cathedral of St. Philip
Listen to choral services, recorded live at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, each Sunday at 4 p.m., September–May. Most services are Choral Evensong (sung Evening Prayer), which dates from the sixteenth century, yet has its roots in the far more ancient Daily Offices of Vespers and Compline. One of the jewels of our Anglican/Episcopal worship tradition, Evensong has given birth to one of the largest and richest bodies of sacred music outside of the Mass itself. It is, at its heart, a contemplative worship service, and much of the service is sung by the choir alone, employing sounds that span the known history of Christian music. At the formal close of Evensong, an intimate “liturgy of the table” is celebrated for those who wish to receive Communion. Occasionally a classically sung Choral Eucharist, or a diocesan confirmation, or a service of Lessons and Carols takes the place of Evensong.
Choral Services at the Cathedral of St. Philip
A Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (December 18, 2022)
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This Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is sung by the Cathedral Schola. The officiant is the Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener.
Modeled on the beloved carol service broadcast each Christmas Eve from King’s College, Cambridge, this is our most popular choral service of the year. Ancient prophecies foretelling the coming of a Messiah and the Gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus are illumined by extra-biblical texts, anthems and Christmas carols that have inspired composers, choirs, and worshippers throughout the world and across time.
Choral repertoire includes:
- “Once in royal David’s city” Irby
- Frank Boles, Adam lay ybounden
- Eric Whitacre, Lux Arumque
- arr. John Rutter, Sans Day Carol
- “Prepare the way, O Zion” Bereden väg för Herran
- Robert Parsons, Ave Maria
- “On this day earth shall ring” Personent hodie
- Richard Runciman Terry, Myn lyking
- Francis Pott, Balulalow
- arr. Stephen Jackson, Noël nouvelet
- arr. David Willcocks, “God rest you merry, gentlemen”
- arr. Simon Preston, I saw three ships come sailing in
- arr. Dale Adelmann, “Of the Father’s love begotten” Divinum mysterium
- John Tavener, God is with us
- “O come, all ye faithful” Adeste fideles