BRUNSWICK — The 19th annual Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held on Dec. 4 at 3 p. m. at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.
Under the direction of Ray Cornils ( minister of music of First Parish Church, UCC), this community program bring together choirs from eight area churches, including First Parish, St. Charles Borromeo and St. John the Baptist Catholic churches, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Unitarian Universalist Church and Seventh- day Adventist Church, all in Brunswick; Elijah Kellogg Church of Harpswell; and Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church in Topsham.
The program will include carols and choruses by Handel, Vivaldi, Rutter and Brunswick composer Cam Smith, interspersed with Biblical readings of prophesy and birth.
Among the carols sung will be “Gesu Bambino,” “ The Holly and The Ivy,” “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day,” “And The Glory of the Lord (from Messiah),” and the opening movement of Antonio Vivaldi’s energetic “Gloria.”
This festival of Advent and Christmas music has become a holiday tradition in the Mid-coast area.
“The community spirit of more than 100 singers from many local choirs joining together to sing wonderful music of the Christmas season in the beautiful sanctuary of St. John’s Church has made this festival one of Brunswick’s most popular holiday traditions,” states a news release.
The festival is preceded by a 15-minute prelude by The Parish Ringers at 2:45. “ This highly accomplished handbell choir based at Brunswick’s First Parish Church has often performed with the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Magic of Christmas; concerts,” states the release.
Organizers suggest an $8 donation at the door. Doors will open at 2:15 p.m. Early arrival is encouraged. St. John’s is located at 39 Pleasant St.
For more information, call 729-7331.
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