Candlemas Evensong: Ceremony of Carols

Sunday, February 1 at 4 p.m.

sung by the Cathedral Choristers

The Cathedral Choristers offer a special candlelit Evensong featuring Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols for treble voices and harp. Candlemas is the celebration of Christ’s Presentation in the Temple when the old man Simeon proclaimed Jesus to be a light for the whole world, fulfilling the prophecy that he would meet the Savior before the end of his life. Britten composed Ceremony of Carols at sea as he was returning to England from the United States during World War II. The texts for this cycle are drawn from medieval and early modern English sources, set in Britten’s charming and inimitable style, creating a masterpieces that feels both modern and timeless. Britten had a special talent for composing music for children’s voices that manages to be serious, intuitive, and fun for them to sing.

Choral Repertoire:

Britten – Ceremony of Carols

A festive reception will follow in Kyle’s Place.

Plan your visit

When you visit St. James Cathedral, expect to receive a warm welcome! Whether you are a committed follower of Christ, a first-time visitor who is joining a friend, or fall somewhere in between, you're not just welcome, you belong.

It is not uncommon for people to either dress casually or formally when visiting the Cathedral. Our priority is that you to feel comfortable. Children are always welcome at St. James. There is an open space to the front right of the pews for children to play under your supervision and a changing station for parents of our youngest members under the church in the restrooms.

The cathedral is accessible to people with limited mobility. An access ramp is located at the west end of the building, 65 E. Huron St.

Map & Parking

We are conveniently located 2 blocks from the red line. Exit at Chicago Avenue, then south two blocks to the corner of Wabash and Huron.

We are one block west from the 3, 10, 26, 146, 147, and 151 bus lines on Michigan Avenue. Exit at Superior or Erie if southbound, exit at Huron if northbound.

Reduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at ROW Parking Garage, 50 E Ohio Street, for $2 up to 6 hours. Parking is also available at Ohio Ontario Self Park, 33 W Ontario, for $10 up to 18 hours daily. Get a reduced-rate parking voucher from the St. James Commons reception desk.