Advent Carol Service possibilities

I have stayed away from publicly reflecting on "what would have been" during this time (frankly, I generally find such thoughts too depressing), but as we head toward Advent, I thought I would try it just this once.

Our Advent Carol Service at St. Peter's is very special, I think. To give the season so much breadth and space within a single liturgy — and with so much music! — is a wonderful gift to me every year. I will sorely miss it in 2020, but I have faith that we can bring this service back in full in 2021.

I usually have ideas sketched out for the next several years at a time. So I thought I would share just a few ideas for new pieces that were penciled in for 2020 and some that are penciled in for future years.

Please note that these are ONLY penciled in. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on this music!

(We always open with that lovely Judith Weir "Advent Prose" from the narthex, and I don't think I want to change that yet.)

For the Invitatory Carol at the very start of the service (after the Bidding Prayer):

People, look east - Barry Rose

Kindle a light - Fleming

First Lesson: Is. 11:1-5

When came in flesh the incarnate word - Helvey

Preview here

Second Lesson: 1 Thess. 5:1-11

I am the day - Dove

Third Lesson: Micah 4:1-4

The Cherry Tree Carol - Hillier 

at the suggestion of Jennifer Spohr

before the Fifth Lesson: Malachi 3:1-7

Tomorrow shall be my dancing day - Holst

Sixth Lesson: Matt. 3:1-11

Introduction to Hark, the glad sound - Bingham; and the hymn itself

this is a remarkable piece for saxophone and choir that was premiered last year at St. John's, Cambridge

To listen: visit https://www.sjcchoir.co.uk/listen/webcasts/advent-carol-service-2019 and find this piece after the Fourth Lesson

Seventh Lesson: Luke 1:39-49

A Hymn to the Virgin - Britten