BSC to present annual Service of Lessons and Carols this weekend

For Immediate Release
Nov. 26, 2018

Photo from the Service of Lessons and Carols
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—The Birmingham-Southern College Alumni Choir and Concert Choir invite you to the 82nd annual Service of Lessons and Carols on Friday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Canterbury United Methodist Church. The concert is free and open to the public.

The annual service is a beloved, longstanding tradition at the college, where the concert was introduced in 1936. The choirs, under the direction of BSC Joseph Hugh Thomas Professor of Music Dr. Lester Seigel ’79, will be joined by organist and BSC Professor Emeritus Dr. James Cook ’68.

The program will feature its hallmark mixture of traditional and new carol settings and motets for the season from a variety of eras and styles.

“The hauntingly beautiful 16^th century motet “Mirabile Mysterium (a Wondrous Mystery)” is a daringly written composition from centuries ago that is still considered avant-garde in its evocation of the mysterious nature of the Incarnation,” Seigel said.

The program also includes “My Lord Has Come” by British composer Will Todd, one of today’s most eloquent choral composers. The choirs will also sing spirituals, traditional carol settings, and short works by Healey Willan, Randall Stroope, Ola Gjeilo, and more.

The program runs about 70 minutes. The college’s Office of Alumni Engagement will serve refreshments after the Dec. 2 service in the parlor of the church, and everyone is invited. Childcare is also available at the Sunday service, beginning at 4 p.m., by advance reservation. Please call (205) 874-1546 no later than Nov. 29 to make reservations.

For more information about the performances, please contact Seigel at (205) 226-4957.