Popular Annual Event to Culminate in a Candle Lighting Ceremony

Vassar’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 campus (124 Raymond Ave.), Saturday, December 6.

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

Rev. Callista Isabelle, the new Associate Dean of the College for Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices, said, “We are excited to welcome people to the Vassar Chapel for Lessons and Carols— this year on a Saturday! Please join us for a time of beautiful music, candlelight, and reflection.”

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 along with an ensemble of 140 singers, including the Vassar College Choir, Vassar College Treble Chorus, Cappella Festiva Chamber Choir, and Cor Capriccio Children’s Choir. This event will feature the music of Rachmaninoff, John Rutter, Dan Forrest, Margaret Bonds, Shelley Murley, and others. The Lessons and Carols Choirs are under the direction of conductors Christine Howlett, Drew Minter, and Elizabeth Clifton. College organist and music faculty member Gail Archer will play the Gress-Miles organ. Archer is also the director of the music program at Barnard College and conductor of the Barnard-Columbia Chorus.

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 at www.vassar.edu/visit/how-to-get-here.

Vassar College is a coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.