Vassar College presents the annual ‘Service of Lessons and Carols’

POUGHKEEPSIE – The college’s annual “Service of Lessons and Carols,” an Advent service of readings, choral anthems, and congregational carols that culminates in a candle lighting ceremony, will be held in the Vassar Chapel on Sunday, December 8.

This popular event is free and open to the public. The doors will open at 6:30pm, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. The event begins at 7:00pm. A free will offering will also be taken to support the college’s annual philanthropic campaign, Community Works, which provides funding to several Hudson Valley nonprofit organizations (see communityworks.vassar.edu/).

Rev. Samuel Speers, Associate Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices, said, “We encourage people to arrive early to this very popular event, which usually fills our over 1,000-seat chapel to capacity.”

The program, co-sponsored by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices and the Department of Music, will feature Advent and scriptural readings and an ensemble of 190 singers, including the Vassar College Choir, Vassar College Chamber Singers, Vassar College Women’s Chorus, and the Cappella Festiva Chamber, Treble, and Cor Capriccio Choirs. This event will feature the music of J.S. Bach, Brian Mann, Greg Gilpin, Richard Allain, Nicholas White, Allan Naplan, and Ola Gjeilo.

The Lessons and Carols Choir is conducted by Associate Professor and Chair of Music Christine Howlett, Ronald Bemrich, Drew Minter, and Eduardo Navega of the Vassar College Department of Music, along with Matt Zydel and Elizabeth Clifton. The choir will be accompanied by James Fitzwilliam, piano, and college organist Gail Archer.

Vassar College strives to make its

events, performances, and facilities accessible to all. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations at Vassar should contact the Office of Campus Activities at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not

be available.

Vassar College is located at 124 Raymond

Avenue in Poughkeepsie, NY, and directions to the campus can be found atwww.vassar.edu/visit/how-to-get-here.

Vassar College is a highly selective,

coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.