MADISON — December 18 saw the Madison Diocesan Choir Advent Lessons and Carols back for the first time in three years.
With beloved former director Dr. Patrick Gorman having passed away in 2021, the choir welcomed John Sittard as its new director.
In addition to that, the choir was also physically located somewhere new — they sang from the choir loft, rather than from the front, in order to utilize the acoustics of the Holy Name Oratory at Holy Name Heights in Madison.
Joy for the audience
Despite these changes, however, it was clearly a joy to all the audience members to have the yearly celebration resume.
The beautiful service was well attended, with several families rounding out the audience of those who’ve attended for years.
The rhythm of the service imitated liturgical vigils, such as Easter Vigil, with readings alternating with musical pieces.
This was complemented by the Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison’s opening prayer, reflection, and closing blessing.
The service was a clear anticipation of Christmas, with many Christmas carols and several Christmas Gospel readings making an appearance.
It was a chance to meditate on the mystery to come as well as to enjoy the delight of music well performed.
The Madison Diocesan Choir, joined by the Festival Brass, demonstrated their musical talent and prayerful spirit.
The music was chosen to complement the readings, often echoing the words or story, or elaborating on a particular spiritual principle.
Several delightful older carols were introduced to complement the readings that inspired them, such as “A Maiden Most Gentle” and “I Wonder as I Wander.”
Other songs were widely known, and the attendees gladly joined in the singing as they responded to the readings with hymns such as “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
The brass accompaniment to carols such as “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy to the World,” and the Advent hymn “Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending,” made them ring with joyful triumph.
Other pieces were sung more gently, to the accompaniment primarily of the organ, played by guest organist Michael Mills.
Together, the pieces formed a lovely complementary collection, echoing the readings in musical form.
Focusing on the ‘good news’
Bishop Hying’s reflection focused on the good news of Christ “tearing through the veil” that separates us from God and one another.
He also quoted a meditation by Caryll Houselander on the secret ordinary coming of Christ.
This formed a worthy reminder of the best way to prepare in the last days of the Advent season before Christmas.
On the whole, the Lessons and Carols was a lovely evening designed to provide us all with an encouraging boost in the last, cold days of Advent, as the “O Antiphons” echoed in our hearts during the final preparations for Christmas.
The Madison Diocesan Choir’s Lessons and Carols clearly flourished in its return.