MARION — On Sunday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. the Tabor Academy choirs will present their first Festival of Lessons and Carols with a new choral director, interspersing songs with faculty and student readings and giving the audience a chance to join them for seasonal carols.  

The Festival of Lesson and Carols is a tradition of nine lessons and musical pieces that celebrate Christmas. This service was made popular by the King’s College in Cambridge, with the long-standing tradition of beginning the program with the selection “Once in Royal David’s City.”

Tabor’s new choral director, Dr. Tianxu Zhou said, “Like many holiday celebrations, our program of Lessons and Carols has elements that pay homage to traditions of the past, such as the opening selection ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and other beloved carols. This year, it is our pleasure to present some contemporary and culturally diverse selections such as ‘Ukuthula,’ (An African Prayer for Peace).”

Admission is free to the public, and the chapel doors will open at 7 p.m. Tabor Academy will also livestream the concert on its Facebook page.