A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols [L] 25.xii.2020

[cat]

As far as I know the senior organ scholar has only just moved up from the junior position, and will therefore be able to accompany the service next year. It's not like they'll be missing out on what is surely an early career highlight.

[Lizzie]

As far as I know the senior organ scholar has only just moved up from the junior position, and will therefore be able to accompany the service next year. It's not like they'll be missing out on what is surely an early career highlight.

[cat]

I was surprised to read this today regarding the choral scholars and choristers at King's preparing for 9LC:

"Without the burden of regular services, the groups have had time to grow accustomed to the new standing formation."

Is it really the case, as the article implies, that King's haven't bothered singing evensong since March, and have instead prioritised rehearsals for Christmas broadcasts?

I know things are difficult for all choirs, and that there will be plenty of critics if the Christmas broadcast services aren't up to scratch, but it does seem surprising that after the longest break since Cromwell that King's haven't resumed regular services. I believe all the other collegiate foundations have done so, albeit sometimes at reduced frequency.

[oddoneout]

I was surprised to read this today regarding the choral scholars and choristers at King's preparing for 9LC:

"Without the burden of regular services, the groups have had time to grow accustomed to the new standing formation."

Is it really the case, as the article implies, that King's haven't bothered singing evensong since March, and have instead prioritised rehearsals for Christmas broadcasts?

I know things are difficult for all choirs, and that there will be plenty of critics if the Christmas broadcast services aren't up to scratch, but it does seem surprising that after the longest break since Cromwell that King's haven't resumed regular services. I believe all the other collegiate foundations have done so, albeit sometimes at reduced frequency.

So did they not move on from these plans announced in March? https://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/n...horal-services

[Vile Consort]

I was surprised to read this today regarding the choral scholars and choristers at King's preparing for 9LC:

"Without the burden of regular services, the groups have had time to grow accustomed to the new standing formation."

Is it really the case, as the article implies, that King's haven't bothered singing evensong since March, and have instead prioritised rehearsals for Christmas broadcasts?

I know things are difficult for all choirs, and that there will be plenty of critics if the Christmas broadcast services aren't up to scratch, but it does seem surprising that after the longest break since Cromwell that King's haven't resumed regular services. I believe all the other collegiate foundations have done so, albeit sometimes at reduced frequency.

The article implies no such thing. Regular services only take place during Full Term, which ended on 4th December. It is surely the period since then that is being referred to as not having the burden of regular services.

[DracoM]

[cat]

The article implies no such thing. Regular services only take place during Full Term, which ended on 4th December. It is surely the period since then that is being referred to as not having the burden of regular services.

I hope I am mistaken, but the article was published before the end of full term, so I'm not sure it could imply anything else. This conclusion is supported by their evensong webcasts, which have all been from the archives. A remembrance service and all souls' requiem appear to be the only two services that have taken place this term.

[mopsus]

What would normally be happening right now, if the pattern of the last few years were to be followed, would be a foreign tour.

[Magister Chori]

A little preview from Sky News:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOrLeR9Mryg

[cat]

Due to positive COVID tests among the choral scholars, Carols from King’s was filmed earlier this week with the King's Singers and the choristers.

https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/kings-college-carols-kings-two-19471980

[DracoM]

So, in effect, it is not even remotely the usual / same Xmas mix at all that people - at least in UK - expect to be live on BBC radio. Hmm.

[Pulcinella]

So, in effect, it is not even remotely the usual / same Xmas mix at all that people - at least in UK - expect to be live on BBC radio. Hmm.

Did you read the article, Draco?
It refers to the TV recording, not the live radio broadcast.

One can still hope that (at least some of) the choral scholars might be through any self-isolation period by Christmas Eve, but the timing might preclude that being the case.

[DracoM]

Ah, yes, indeed, but KCC usually records several for different global networks and audiences.

[cat]

Ah, yes, indeed, but KCC usually records several for different global networks and audiences.

They normally record only Carols from King’s for television. Then there’s 9LC live on the radio. Both are distributed internationally, but they don’t make multiple recordings, just these two. Every December, much of their time seems to be spent in interviews and on social media correcting people who mistake one for the other, or believe that they are one and the same.

[DracoM]

Erm............'mistake one for the other'?
Which is 'one' and which is the 'other'?