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 Lessons & Carols by Candlelight (December 21, 2025)
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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 worshipers throughout the world and across time. The service is sung by the Cathedral Schola and officiated by the Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener.
- “Once in royal David’s city,” Irby
- Frank Boles (b. 1955), Adam lay ybounden
- arr. Robert Pearsall (1795-1856), In dulci jubilo
- “Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding,” Merton
- John Rutter (b. 1945), There is a flower
- “Comfort, comfort ye, my people,” Psalm 42
- Francis Pott (b. 1957), Balulalow
- arr. David Schelat (b. 1955), The Angel Gabriel
- arr. David Willcocks (1919-2015), “God rest you merry, gentlemen”
- Fredrik Sixten (b. 1962), There is no rose of such vertu
- arr. Paul Halley (b. 1952), What child is this
- “On this day earth shall ring,” Personent hodie
- Oliver Tarney (b. 1984), The wisemen and the star
- arr. Dale Adelmann, “Of the Father’s love begotten,” Divinum mysterium
- Kim André Arnesen (b. 1980), Cradle Hymn
- “O come, all ye faithful,” Adeste fideles