Ceremony of Carols – Benjamin Britten

Our annual performance of Britten's Ceremony of Carols on the Third Sunday of Advent, 13th December, is given by the upper voices of St Bride's Choir accompanied by harpist Sue Rothstein. It is preceded as usual by a short, candle-lit men's voices Evensong. Order of Service (pdf) → https://bit.ly/2Kf3pM0 The work opens and closes with the chant "Hodie Christus natus est" (Today Christ is born)sung in procession. The chant is also the basis of the poignant and dramatic harp Interlude which is both at the centre of the whole work and its longest movement. This service is preceded by a shortened form of Evensong, sung by men's voices which complements the Britten by using two of the same elements - plainsong, which is used for the responses, psalm and canticles, and medievalism, with a piece of seasonal medieval music ending the service just before the Ceremony of Carols begins. ========================= This event is free, but we hope you might consider making a donation towards the upkeep of our historic Wren church and to support our work and ministry. You can do so at JustGiving . Alternatively, in the UK, text 5STBRIDES or 10STBRIDES or 20STBRIDES to 70470 to donate £5, £10 or £20. ========================= Ceremony of Carols was premiered by the women’s voices of the Fleet Street Choir so it is fitting that it has become such a central part of our Advent here at the Journalists' Church in Fleet Street.