In this podcast marking the Christmas season, Great Sacred Music presents a thirty minute carol service, ‘Five lessons and carols’, a shortened version of format made famous in Truro Cathedral in 1880, and subsequently by Kings College, Cambridge and cathedrals and churches throughout the land. All the carols have been chosen by members of the St Martin’s community, and readings are by members of St Martin’s Voices.

Presented by Revd Dr Sam Wells St Martin’s Voices Directed by Andrew Earis Jeremy Cole Organ

Music list

Once in Royal David’s City (Henry Gauntlett, descant David Willcocks) Welcome (Revd Dr Sam Wells) Music: Sussex Carol – English traditional arr. David Willcocks 1st lesson: Isaiah 11. 1-9 (read by Hilary Cronin) A Spotless Rose – Herbert Howells (soloist: Nils Greenhow) 2nd lesson: Isaiah 9.2-7 (read by David Young) O Holy Night – Adolphe Adam (Soloists: Teresa Pearson, Gareth Thomas) 3rd lesson: Matthew 1.18-23 (read by Gareth Thomas) Away in a Manger – Reginald Jacques (soloist: Teresa Pearson) 4th lesson: Luke 2: 8-16 (read by Louise Eekelaar) In the Bleak Midwinter – Harold Darke (Soloists: Ruth McElvanney and Chris Lombard) 5th lesson: John 1.1-14 (read by Sarah Maxted) Hark! The Herald-angels Sing (Felix Mendelssohn, descant: David Willcocks)

Supported by the Jerusalem Trust.