A candlelit sequence of choral music, hymns, and readings, exploring the themes of Advent - darkness, light, despair, hope, and justice – and how these are reflected in the oldest stories and wisdom of Bible, in the prophetic voice, and in the stories of John the Baptist, in the birth of Son of God, and in the cycle of life itself.
The O Antiphons, around which this service is structured, date back at least to the eighth century, and accompany the Magnificat at Vespers on the last seven days of Advent. They draw from the messianic hopes of the Hebrew Scriptures, to express the longing for the coming of the Christ.
This service, which marks the start of the church's year at this time of the shortest days and longest nights, is always a musical and liturgical highlight, with its dramatic sweep, profound scriptural readings, and beautiful choral music sung by one of Victoria's best choirs.
Music will include:
- Howard Skempton, O Sapientia
- Becky McGlade, A spotless rose
- Anna Lapwood, Drop down, ye heavens, from above
- Orlando Gibbons, This is the record of John
- Kerensa Briggs, Magnificat from the Gloucester Service
- Jonathan Dove, Sanctus from the Missa Brevis
- Jonatahn Dove, I am the day
- Paul Manz, E'en so Lord Jesus, quickly come