Kairos: A Consort of Singers, under the direction of Edward Lundergan, presents its annual service of Lessons & Carols on Sunday, December 15, at 3 p.m. at the Holy Cross Monastery, 615 Route 9W, West Park.
Lessons & Carols is a lovely and meditative part of the Advent season. It prepares for Christmas and offers a contemplative respite from the hectic run-up to holiday celebrations. There will be a festive reception following the service. All are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof), and there is no admission charge. Free-will donations will be matched by the Holy Cross community, and will benefit local food-based charitable organizations.
The service is joyful and remarkably inclusive: People of all faiths and of none return year after year. It is an old Anglican tradition that features short readings from the Old and New Testaments interspersed liberally with Christmas carols, motets and hymns.
Kairos’ program includes seasonal works by Poulenc, Bach, Holst, Sweelinck, Isaac, Schutz, Ives and Victoria. The performance is held in the beautiful, intimate, and acoustically superb chapel at the Monastery.
It is suggested that audience members arrive at the venue at least 20 minutes before the performance to secure seating.