The Rochester Festival of Lessons and Carols

Third Presbyterian’s Chancel Choir

Tune in for a Christmas Eve tradition.

The Rochester Festival of Lessons and Carols has been a Christmas Eve tradition for over a half-century at the Third Presbyterian Church. It also has been a WXXI broadcast tradition, and can be heard live on Thursday, December 24 at 11 p.m. on Classical 91.5 FM, WXXY 90.3 FM, WXXI 91.5-2 HD, or listen online.

Following the King’s College, Cambridge model, the service begins with the processional hymn, “Once in Royal David’s City.” Musicians and celebrants share readings, Christmas Carols, and anthems, and the service culminates with the lighting of the Christ Candle in the darkened church as the congregation sings “Silent Night.”

Third Presbyterian’s Chancel Choir, under the direction of Peter DuBois, provides musical leadership for the service. The Choir has served as Choir-in-Residence at the Rochester Cathedral in Kent in 2001, and at Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London in 2005. Peter DuBois is Director of Music/Organist at Third Presbyterian Church; he is also Director of the Sacred Music Diploma Program at the Eastman School of Music, and he hosts the weekly radio program With Heart & Voice on WXXI.