Trinity College

Held on December 7, 2025, the 66th Annual Trinity College Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols marks the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. This service is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. More information is at www.trincoll.edu/lessonsandcarols.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing, arr. Houlihan by Trinity College

This symposium explored the role of creativity as an essential human practice. Faculty from across disciplines reflected on how creativity shapes their scholarship and teaching, the complex and evolving role of technology, and the value of preparing all students to think creatively in a digital world. Moderated by Laura J. Holt ’00, professor of psychology, the panel included: Sarah Bilston, Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of English; Pablo Delano, Charles A. Dana Professor of Fine Arts; Kent D. Dunlap, Thomas S. Johnson Distinguished Professor of Biology; and Ewa Syta, Charles A. Dana Research Associate Professor of Computer Science.

The second symposium explored the bridging of knowledge and practice as a hallmark of a distinctive liberal arts education. Award-winning teacher-scholars from Trinity’s faculty discussed their boundary-spanning work and its public impact, whether in Hartford, nationally, or globally. Moderated by Jennifer M. Regan-Lefebvre, professor of history, the panel included: Davarian L. Baldwin, Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of American Studies; Shafqat Hussain, George and Martha Kellner Chair in South Asian Studies; Michelle Kovarik, Dr. Henry A. DePhillips, Jr. Professor of Chemistry; and Kevin J. McMahon, John R. Reitemeyer Professor of Political Science.

Trinity’s iconic Chapel hosted a performance by Christopher Houlihan ’09, John Rose Distinguished College Organist, director of Chapel music, and artist-in-residence. Commentary was delivered by Michael A. Grubb, associate professor of psychology, based on his seminar, “Exploring Awe,” which was offered in collaboration with Houlihan at Trinity’s Rome campus as part of last year’s January Term. He said that this unique collaboration is an example of how the arts and sciences can meet.

Trinity College Associate Professor of English David Sterling Brown ’06 recently was invited to take part in England’s weeklong Shakespeare Birthday Celebration as its inaugural visiting scholar. Brown delivered a speech on April 27, 2025, at the Town Hall in Stratford-Upon-Avon—William Shakespeare’s birthplace—about what The Bard’s work means to him.

The 65th annual Trinity College Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols was held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, a service that was offered as a shared moment of comfort and hope. A PDF of the order of service is available here https://www.trincoll.edu/spiritualandreligiouslife/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/Lessons-and-Carols-Program-2024-for-web.pdf The festivals, offered at two times, featured the Chapel Singers; Trinity College Gospel Choir; Ellen Dickinson, college carillonist; Elijah Morris ’28, organ; Madison Thompson ’25, organ; Chris Yi ’26, organ; Christopher Houlihan ’09, John Rose Distinguished College Organist, Director of Chapel Music, and Artist-in-Residence; The Very Rev. Marcus George Halley, chaplain to the college; and The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan, The Episcopal Church in Connecticut.

Moderated by Professor Ben Carbonetti, Senior Lecturer in Human Rights and Director of The Human Rights Program at Trinity College, the first episode of the Bridging Divides podcast features Professor of Political Science Mira Sucharov from Carleton University in Canada and Professor of Law Omar Dajani from University of the Pacific. Their collaboration acknowledges the pain and struggle of finding common ground in conversations that represent Jewish and Palestinian viewpoints as they model how to disagree without being disagreeable.

"Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" arr. Christopher Houlihan by Trinity College

"Sing to the Lord a New Song" by David Hurd, sung by The Chapel Singers by Trinity College

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Trinity College hosted its 64th annual Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel on Sunday, December 10, marking the beginning of the holiday season for the Greater Hartford community. Lessons and Carols is offered to all as a moment of comfort and hope. In its recounting of the Christmas story, the service involves the reading of nine lessons, each followed by the singing of a carol. Contributions to a freewill offering supported students in need, as well as international humanitarian relief efforts. This year’s special Bicentennial event featured a newly commissioned work by David Hurd, a setting of a portion of Psalm 96, “Sing to the Lord a New Song,” dedicated to Trinity College Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Bisaccia ’78 and Robert Naparstek, whose generosity has supported the Chapel Music Program. The program also featured music by alumni and community composers Paul Lindsley Thomas ’50; Dudley Buck, Class of 1859; Robert Edward Smith, Chapel composer-in-residence since 1979; and Douglas Bruce Johnson, professor of music, emeritus. To see this year’s full program, visit www.trincoll.edu/LessonsAndCarols

Coach Devanney Interview 12062021 by Trinity College

21 Seventh Lesson Luke 2 — Martha Burke O’Brien, Director Of Student Health Services by Trinity College

22 Hymn Angels, From The Realms Of Glory, Arr. C. Houlihan by Trinity College

23 Eighth Lesson Matthew 2 — Ann Parmenter, Prof Physical Education & Head Field Hockey Coach by Trinity College

24 Hymn In The Bleak Midwinter, Arr. C. Houlihan by Trinity College

25 Ninth Lesson John 1 — Joanne Berger-Sweeney, President & Trinity College Prof Of Neuroscience by Trinity College

26 Collect — The Rev. Allison Read by Trinity College

27 Offertory — The Rev. Allison Read by Trinity College

28 Carol Gloria In Excelsis Deo Dialogue Between Angels & Shepherds, I. Leonarda – Chapel Singers by Trinity College

29 Hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Arr. David Willcocks by Trinity College

30 The Blessing — The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan, The Episcopal Church In Conn by Trinity College

31 Retiring Procession Prelude & Fugue In B Major Op. 7 No. 1, Marcel Dupré – Vaughn Mauren, Organ by Trinity College

08 First Lesson Genesis 3 — Patricia Byrne, CSJ, Professor Of Religion, Emerita by Trinity College

10 Second Lesson Genesis 22 — Brielle Jones ’20, President, Trinity College Gospel Choir by Trinity College

11 Carol Drop Down Ye Heavens From Above, Judith Weir — The Chapel Singers by Trinity College

12 Carol Illuminare, Jerusalem, Judith Weir — The Chapel Singers by Trinity College

13 Third Lesson Isaiah 9 — Sara Lee ’18 by Trinity College

14 Carol The First Nowell, — Trinity College Gospel Choir by Trinity College

16 Carol In The Stillness, Sally Beamish — The Chapel Singers by Trinity College

17 Fifth Lesson Luke 1 — Salima Etoka ’15 by Trinity College

18 Carol Ave Maria, Rebecca Clarke — The Sopranos And Altos Of The Chapel Singers by Trinity College

20 The Holly And The Ivy, June Nixon — The Chapel Singers by Trinity College

03 Organ Prelude Adeste Fideles, Op. 8, J. Demessieux — Christopher Houlihan '09, Organ by Trinity College

04 In Dulci Jubilo, 79 Chorales For The Organ Op. 28 No. 41, M. Dupré — Sarah Kennedy ’20, Organ by Trinity College

05 Hymn In Procession Once In Royal David S City, Desc. Paul Halley by Trinity College

06 Bidding Prayer — The Rev. Allison Read, College Chaplain And Dean Of Spiritual Religious Life by Trinity College

07 Bidding Carol The Word Was God, Rosephanye Powell — The Chapel Singers by Trinity College