A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols: The Centenary Service

Presented in a stunning hardback book with over 50 pages of notes, commentary and photography, this is the definitive account of a piece of musical history.

In 2018 Sir Stephen Cleobury and the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge celebrated 100 years of Nine Lessons & Carols, the iconic festival that is enjoyed by millions around the world each year at Christmas time. Now this landmark event is available in its entirety on the official anniversary release from the King’s College label.

In addition to being the 100th anniversary, the 2018 Festival marked the final time that Sir Stephen Cleobury, the College’s longstanding Director of Music, would lead the service before his retirement in September 2019. During his tenure, Cleobury introduced the tradition of commissioning a new carol each year, and this release includes the world premiere of O mercy divine, written by current Master of the Queen’s Music, Judith Weir.

Captured in the highest quality and presented in a stunning hardback book with over 50 pages of notes, commentary and photography documenting the festival’s legacy, A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols: The Centenary Service is the definitive account of the anniversary and the opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime piece of musical history.

When playing the disc in a standard CD player, two tracks are omitted because of technical limitations. They are available for free download here using the voucher code in your booklet.
 

recordings
The Choir's latest recordings are released on the College's own label and available to buy or download online.
Listen to some of our recent recordings of services and performances from the Chapel of King's College, free and online.

Choir News

sir_john_eliot_gardiner_16_credit_sim_canetty-clarke

John Eliot Gardiner to conduct music at King's coronation

The internationally renowned conductor will be leading the first 20 minutes of music at the coronation of King Charles on 6 May at Westminster Abbey.

chapel-lighting

Chapel awarded Lighting Design Award

The project to improve the lighting in King's Chapel has been recognised in the LIT Lighting Design Awards in the Heritage Lighting category.

img-5042

Commissioned Christmas Eve carol revealed

The 2022 commission for A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be a setting of the text Angelus ad Virginem by Matthew Martin.