Making the holiday season at University of St. Thomas especially dear every year is UST’s much-anticipated University Singers Lessons and Carols event at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1. All are invited to virtually listen and watch the moving, pre-recorded holiday service of deeply meaningful scriptural readings and sacred hymns, performed by the University Singers under the direction of Dr. Brady Knapp. Knapp is UST’s associate professor and chair of music and the coordinator of vocal and choral activities.

This marks the 16^th Advent to be held at UST’s iconic Chapel of St. Basil. Despite the pandemic complexities, the University’s students and faculty persevere to safely present this beautiful holiday service as their gift to the community.

The Rich History of Lessons & Carols

UST’s Associate Professor and Chair for English, Dr. Clinton Brand said the custom of celebrating a “festival of lessons and carols” began in the nineteenth century in England.

“It began as a para-liturgical service combining prayers and a sequence of biblical readings with a rich range of sacred music, including hymns, anthems, and carols performed in the great English tradition of choral singing,” Brand said. “While the form anticipates Christmas, it has also been adapted for the celebration of Epiphany, Easter and Pentecost, among the great feasts and seasons of the Church year.”

He added, “The service has become a regular feature of Advent preparation for the coming of the Messiah in countless Christian churches wherever English is spoken, voices are lifted in song, and the faithful gather in ‘the beauty of holiness’ to herald the Savior of the world.”

Readings for the UST event will begin with the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus. Interspersed will be the singing of Christmas carols to include “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

Directed by Dr. Knapp, the University Singers is an ensemble of UST music students, alumni and guest artists who perform sacred music from a variety of styles and periods.

To Obtain Your Free Virtual Seat

The link to join the free, virtual holiday service through zoom is found by clicking here.

Or iPhone one-tap : 

US: +13462487799,,94135087540# or +12532158782,,94135087540# 

Or Telephone:

Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 

Webinar ID: 941 3508 7540

International numbers available at: https://stthom-edu.zoom.us/u/aAGSxPAa7

Also, the video will be available on the UST Facebook page on Dec. 1 and will stay up for one month.