Choral Evensong for the Feast of Candlemas

Candlemas falls 40 days after Christmas, marking the Presentation of the child Jesus in the temple. The image of Christ as the Light of the World is echoed in the blessing of candles for use in the coming year.

The story told in the Gospel is of Simeon and his greeting to the Saviour, whose presentation marks the fulfilment of Simeon’s life. The choir will offer the anthem “When to the Temple Mary came” by Johannes Eccard, echoing the story, and reminding us that Simeon has something to teach us too.

All the choir music for the service comes from the 15th & 16th centuries. The opening introit is the earliest work: Thomas Tallis’s anthem “O Nata Lux” (Light born of Light), and the Evensong Canticles are from the Second Service of William Byrd.

All are welcome to attend this end of the Christmas season, and a feast of Renaissance and Baroque music. We are delighted to welcome the Rev. Dr. Rob James, Associate Professor at VST, as our preacher for the service.

If you use candles at home – for meditation, for atmosphere – bring them for a blessing.

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