King’s College, Cambridge Carol Service 2020

[DracoM]

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/nov/29/first-time-100-years-kings-carollers-coronavirus

I think most Forumistas had guessed this already.

[cat]

Some hints for this year's music:

"In a normal year the choir would also lead the congregation in traditional Christmas hymns, but this Christmas Eve there will be no congregation present. With Covid restrictions and the need for social distancing within the choir, a number of new arrangements have been made which capitalise on the rare opportunity to hear these ever popular hymns in versions for choir only.

As is so often the case, this year's service marks the musical contribution (through their arrangements and descants) of several former Directors of Music, including Sir David Willcocks, Sir Philip Ledger and Sir Stephen Cleobury, as well as the current Director, Daniel Hyde.

Significant twentieth century composer Elizabeth Poston features in the service, as well as arrangements by Witold Lutoslawski and former chorister Bob Chilcott."

https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/mediapacks/christmas-religion

[Pulcinella]

There is no new commission, this year, sadly.

I'll post the link that mentions this if I can find it again!

PS: Mentioned in the Christmas 2020 issue of BBC Music Magazine, page 35.

[Andrew Butler]

Another one I shall be missing, very regretfully!

[Magister Chori]

Here is the full music list for this year's service:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000qjn9

[Ein Heldenleben]

Welcome Magister Chori !

[cat]

They appear to have drafted in Matthew Martin to play the organ this year.

[Finzi4ever]

They appear to have drafted in Matthew Martin to play the organ this year.

I wonder why the current incumbent is denied 'their' moment in the sun.

[NorfolkDavid]

I wonder why the current incumbent is denied 'their' moment in the sun.

Without wanting to speculate, could it be as simple as the organ scholar wanting to spend Christmas with his family and having to go home when the university sends them due to Covid? Be interesting to see if the back row is made up of the choral scholars or local deps

[Nigel_HD]

I wonder why the current incumbent is denied 'their' moment in the sun.

If you dig a little deeper you will find the answer.
On Facebook, Christopher Too (now a second year music student) states “Former Organ Scholar at Choir of King’s College, Cambridge”. He has obviously parted company with the King's organ bench. The new first year organ scholar, Paul Greally, would not normally play for the big service as a first year, hence drafting in Matthew Martin, DoM at Gonville and Cauis, as a safe pair of hands.

[Vile Consort]

The broadcast is to be a recording they have already made as a precaution: https://www.facebook.com/KingsColleg...55634224487121

[Nick Armstrong]

Is there a difference which has eluded me between this thread and the other one headed “A Festival... &c.”? If not, could they usefully be combined?

[DracoM]

Yes - this is a mainly 'chat' thread AFAICS. The other one starts with the DETAILED Order of Service.

[Nick Armstrong]

Yes - this is a mainly 'chat' thread AFAICS. The other one starts with the DETAILED Order of Service.

So chat here and discussion there? Good luck policing the distinction!