Advent Procession with Lessons and Carols (December 3, 2023) Artwork

Choral Services at the Cathedral of St. Philip

Listen to choral services, recorded live at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, each Sunday at 4 p.m., September–May. Most services are Choral Evensong (sung Evening Prayer), which dates from the sixteenth century, yet has its roots in the far more ancient Daily Offices of Vespers and Compline. One of the jewels of our Anglican/Episcopal worship tradition, Evensong has given birth to one of the largest and richest bodies of sacred music outside of the Mass itself. It is, at its heart, a contemplative worship service, and much of the service is sung by the choir alone, employing sounds that span the known history of Christian music. At the formal close of Evensong, an intimate “liturgy of the table” is celebrated for those who wish to receive Communion. Occasionally a classically sung Choral Eucharist, or a diocesan confirmation, or a service of Lessons and Carols takes the place of Evensong.

All Episodes

Choral Services at the Cathedral of St. Philip

Advent Procession with Lessons and Carols (December 3, 2023)

December 04, 2023 • cathedralATL

Prelude begins at 0:00. Service begins at 19:40.

This Advent Procession with Lessons and Carols is organized around the O Antiphons – beautiful plainchant texts which invoke the Messiah to return, sung since the 8th century at Vespers on the seven evenings leading up to Christmas. The choir gradually moves into the chancel, stopping at various stations around the Cathedral nave. Each of the biblical prophecies is expanded upon by the singing of carols, anthems, and hymns which anticipate the coming of Christ, culminating in a glorious setting of the Magnificat (The Song of Mary, Luke 1:46-55) and the singing of “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” the text of which is an English translation of the very O Antiphons that the choir has sung throughout the service.

The officiant is the Rev. Canon Cathy Zappa. Choral repertoire includes:

The Great O Antiphons
Richard Marlow (1939-2013), Matin Responsory
“Lo, he comes with clouds descending” Helmsley
Frank Ferko (b. 1950), Adam lay ybounden
“Redeemer of the nations, come” Veni Redemptor gentium
Cristobal de Morales (1500-1553), Veni Domine
“Come, thou Redeemer of the earth” Puer nobis
Jan Sandström (b. 1954), Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
“Isaiah the prophet has written of old” Samanthra
“The great forerunner of the morn” The Truth from above
arr. Craig Phillips (b. 1961), Gabriel’s Message
arr. Henry Walford Davies (1869-1941), The Holly & the Ivy
“Ye who claim the faith of Jesus” Julion
Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977), Magnificat (Merton College Service)
Paul Mealor (b. 1975), Ave Maria
“O come, O come, Emmanuel” Veni, veni Emmanuel