'Tis the season for holiday traditions, and Sunday night is no exception. Chamber choir members, chorus members and volunteers will take the stage to sing in the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols.
Continuing the old English tradition, Bible passages will be read between the seasonal songs.
The performance is organized by the chamber choir in conjunction with the Bowdoin Christian Fellowship.
The performance is student directed and organized, though Professor of Music Robert Greenlee will play the organ in the absence of a student organist.
The tradition of organizing the event is passed down from one student to another.
This year, Katarina Holmgren '13 has taken charge and is working to organize the concert, conduct the choir, organize rehearsals, and publicize the event.
"I am enjoying the opportunity to have the responsibility of leading the choir and organizing the event," said Holmgren. "It is a great experience for me. Every rehearsal I learn more about conducting and leading a choir."
Faculty and staff members will lend their voices to read selected Bible passages.
The Christmas story, starting with the birth of Jesus, will complement songs such as "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Oh Come All Ye Faithful."
The concert is not sponsored by the College due to its denominational nature.
According to Greenlee, the concert "was decidedly too exclusive. Some people do not interpret it as a performance, but instead perceive it as a religious experience."
"I can't ignore the fact that it certainly has a religious bent: The songs are clearly Christmas songs and the stories are religious," said Taylor Page '13, who is participating in what will be her second Festival performance.
"The concert will be religious because the readings chronicle the Christmas story, and the songs are familiar Christmas carols," said Holmgren. "But the concert will not just be in a Christmas context; people of all religions participate and will attend."
"Some students just come for the beauty of the experience. The experience is whatever you bring to it," said Holmgren.
Whether you are enthusiastic about the music, looking for a religious experience or eager to find a way to escape the stress of finals period, the Festival of Lessons and Carols offers many levels of enjoyment for a broad range of students.
"The accoustics of the Chapel are excellent for this concert," said Greenlee.
"It's a really beautiful service and a nice way to really get into the holiday spirit," said Page. "And it's a great way to take a break from studying."
The Festival of Lessons and Carols will take place on Sunday in the Chapel from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public.