“My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve — nine carols and nine tiny lessons, which were read by various officers of the church, beginning with a chorister, and ending, through the different grades, with the Bishop.”
So writes the son of E. W. Benson (1829-1896), the Archbishop of Canterbury, about the origin of “Lessons and Carols,” an English tradition that is now practiced by choirs around the world.
Currently celebrating its 34th season, the Easthampton-based Schola Nova brings its version of the service, “The Lord of the Dance: A Program of Nine Lessons and Carols,” to Our Lady of Valley Parish in Easthampton Sunday at 3 p.m. The program will feature nine texts read by members of the church and complemented by choral selections sung by the audience and Schola Nova. The music includes carol arrangements from the “100 Carols for Choirs” anthology, arranged by John Rutter and David Willcocks, plus music by Ludwig Senfl, David Biedenbender, Eric Whitacre and Franz Biebl.
Admission is free, with a goodwill offering to benefit charity encouraged. Our Lady of the Valley is at 33 Adams St. in Easthampton.