The Hamilton College Choir, The College Hill Singers, and College Chaplain Jeff McCarn joined members of both the local and Hamilton College communities for A Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 2 in the Chapel.
The Chapel was decorated with candles, poinsettias, and a stunning Christmas tree. The service, in celebration of the season, was split into nine Christmas lessons: “The Spirit of the Lord,” “The Kingdom of Peace,” “A Little Child Shall Lead Them,” “Born of a Virgin,” “Jesus: A King to Save the People,” “A Humble Place in Bethlehem,” “A Sign to the Working Class,” “A Sign to the Educated Elite,”and “The Prayer of Light.”
Each lesson was comprised of a scripture read by a Hamilton student or local clergy and a carol sung by the entire congregation or an anthem sung by one of the choirs, led by Choir Director Danan Tsan. The songs and scriptures complemented each lesson’s theme.
Before the lessons began, the service opened with Jean-Francois Dandrieu’s Quand le Sauveur Jesus Christ and Gregorian chant “Veni Emmanuel,” played exquisitely by Choir Accompanist and Organist Tina Toglia.
Although the service was inherently Christian, choir members and community members of all denominations enjoyed the music and the company. One highlight was the passing of the flame preceding the “Light of Life” lesson. Listening to the classic carol “Silent Night” while looking around at the Chapel filled with over a hundred candles was a beautiful moment.
During the more popular carols, including “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” and “Joy to the World,” a great sense of community filled the chapel. Toglia accompanied all of the carols with grace.
The choirs debuted all new repertoires, and many of the songs were reprised at their winter concert on Wednesday. A memorable moment in the service was the performance of Kim Andre Arnesen’s “Norwegian Alleluia” by The College Hill Singers, a select chamber ensemble of singers within the Hamilton College Choir. The lively energy and precision of the College Hill Singers transported the chapel to the fjords of Norway.
Another highlight of the College Hill Singers was their performance of “Hodie Christus Natus Est” by Francis Poulenc during the “A Sign to the Working Class” lesson. The acoustics of the chapel combined with the intricate harmonies sounded angelic.
The Hamilton College Choir filled the hall with energy as they sung traditional French carol “Angels we Have Heard on High.” The enthusiasm of the choir was evident as they bounced to the rhythm of the music with smiles on their faces. Service attendees enjoyed hearing this upbeat, familiar tune.
A softer but equally notable moment for the Hamilton College Choir was their performance of “I Wonder as I Wander” by John Jacob Niles. The choir’s dynamic contrast throughout the song was remarkable. Additionally, the voices of the soprano soloists, Kelly Collins ’21 and Kaylee Davis ’22, resonated beautifully throughout the chapel. “I Wonder as I Wander” tells the story of the birth of Jesus, thus it was placed fittingly in the “Born of a Virgin” lesson.
Additionally, the choirs led all of the carols, an impressive feat considering that some choir members were sight-reading certain carols from their hymnals for the first time.
Following the service, attendees gathered in the Chapel Lounge for a cookie reception. Overall, Sunday’s Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols was a joyful place of gathering for Hamilton students, parents, faculty, and community members to celebrate the start of a wonderful holiday season.
