An Evening of Readings and Carols

with the Westminster Choir

An Evening of Readings and Carols was inspired by the format of the Lessons and Carols at King's College, Cambridge.  Held at Westminster since 1992, the evening has evolved hoping to keep the music and spirit of the season at its center.  The format of the King's College program tells the story of Christmas through the biblical readings and illustrative music.  While the format of music with interspersed readings is maintained in Westminster's program, the intent is not to tell the story of Christmas, but to perform music and readings that reflect the universal themes of the season: birth, hope, anticipation, goodwill and joy.  The season of Christmas has provided the framework and texts for the great composers and writers throughout the ages.  Through their sounds and words this evening, it is hoped that the spirit of the season in the Westminster tradition will reach your ears and speak to each of you.

Carol – O Come All Ye Faithful, arr. by D. Willcocks 

Reading – As the Days Grow Shorter, Robin Leaver 

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming - Michael Praetorius                   

Carol - O come, O come, Emmanuel, arr. by Andrew Carter 

En Natus Est - Praetorius                   

Ave Maria – Igor Stravinsky              

Videntes Stellam from Quatre Motets pour leTemp d Noel – Francis Poulenc              

Reading – Why Not a Star, Margaret Gooding 

A Babe is Born – William Mathias       

Carol - The First Noel, arr. by David Willcocks 

The Lamb – John Tavener                 

Jesus Child – John Rutter                     

I Saw Three Ships from Four Christmas Carols by Mack Wilberg                                       

W'Zlobie Lezy (Infant Holy, Infant Lowly) – arr. Roger Ames          

Reading – It is That Time Again, Robin Leaver           

Carol – Silent Night, Franz Xaver Gruber                   

The Ringing in of the Season 

Carol – Joy to the World, Lowell Mason                                               

This recording is available only at concerts.

© 2005. SOLID BRASS. All Rights Reserved