TOTH News:
In a recent Facebook post, travel writer Rick Steves extolled the virtues of one of his “favorite British experiences” – choral evensong in an English cathedral. But evensong, and the wider English choral tradition, doesn’t just happen in cathedrals, but in thousands of parish churches throughout Britain and the Anglican Communion, including here in Los Alamos.
A significant part of this choral tradition is the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. In the weeks following the end of World War I, the chaplain of King’s College, Cambridge, Eric Milner-White, introduced a new service that would bring hope in the face of unspeakable loss.
Milner-White served as a chaplain for four years in the trenches — an experience that changed him forever. It was out of this experience that he was inspired to offer the service of Lessons and Carols as a gift to the city of Cambridge. At the darkest time of the year, it served the twin purposes of grieving those who were never coming home and bringing hope to the war-weary survivors. Over a century later, Lessons and Carols continues to bring a sense of peace, hope, and comfort to a chaotic and confusing world.
In 1934, Milner-White adapted the original Christmas Eve service of Lessons and Carols for use at the beginning of the Advent season. Consisting of choral anthems, hymns, readings, and brief prayers, this 45-minute service offers an oasis of calm in the midst of a hectic season. Guests at Trinity on the Hill are welcome to participate in singing hymns, but are also welcome to simply sit and listen if they prefer. After the service, everyone is invited to a reception with mulled wine, (non-alcoholic) hot cider, and sweet and savory treats.
In the musical tradition of Los Alamos, the choir of Trinity on the Hill is made up of diverse members of our local community. The choir is headed by choirmaster Louisa Singleton, who also teaches math and assists with the music and theater programs at Los Alamos High School, and organist Dr. John Singleton, physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Oxford.
The Service of Lessons and Carols for Advent takes place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Trinity on the Hill, 3900 Trinity Drive. Except in December, choral evensong is offered at 6 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month, September through May. Compline by candlelight is offered at 7 p.m. on the second, third and fourth Sundays. For more information, email admin@latoth.org.