Advent and Christmas Music at Grace Madison
WHEN: December 24, 25 & 31 (see below for times)
WHERE: Grace Episcopal Church, 4 Madison Ave. in Madison
The choirs, under the direction of Dr. Anne Matlack, are preparing for special choral services for Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, music begins at 4 for the 4:30 Church School Nativity Pageant and communion service. Costumed children present the Nativity Pageant while the 60-voice youth choirs lead the music in traditional carols, and selections from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols with Andre Tarantiles, harp. The Gargoyles (teen boys) will sing Medieval Gloria and The Cherry Tree Carol and the select Daughters of Zion sing works by Handel and Corp. A children’s bell choir will ring in the prelude, and a handbell quartet serenades you as you leave.
At 10 p.m. a candlelight concert of carols from around the world sung from the gallery precedes the traditional 10:30 “Midnight” Mass. A choir of adults, older children, and returning college students, and a bell choir lead the beautiful Rite I communion service featuring works by Michael Head, Ola Gjeilo, Gustav Holst and more, with Teddy Love, oboe, and many soloists. “Silent Night” sung kneeling by candlelight concludes the service.
Christmas Morning at 10:30 a.m. is a service for all ages of carols and communion led by children and adults. Children can bring a favorite gift to bless. Choir carols include “Once in Royal David’s City,” “He is Born,” “I Saw Three Ships,” “Away in a Manger” and a rousing “Go Tell it on the Mountain” during communion. Children may bring a favorite gift to be blessed.
Sunday December 31 at 10:30 a.m. the choirs present a traditional Nine Lessons and Carols service. Visiting singers are welcome to join the choir by attending rehearsal at 9:30 and calling the church, or responding on facebook to let Dr. Anne know.
The community is welcome at all of these services. More information can be found at www.episcopalchurch.org/parish/grace-episcopal-church-madison-nj or on facebook at Grace Episcopal Church Madison NJ or by calling 973-377-0106.
Dr. Anne Matlack holds degrees from Yale and Cincinnati Conservatory and also conducts the award-winning Harmonium Choral Society, www.harmonium.org.
