Watch Carols From King's 2018

Carols From King's is an annual event broadcast on British television since 1954, in which the renowned choir of King's College, Cambridge, perform a selection of classic carols and Christmas songs. The 2018 edition of the program was no different, featuring a variety of musical pieces from across the centuries, interspersed with readings and reflections on the Christmas season.

The program begins with the choir processing into the candlelit chapel, singing the traditional hymn Once in Royal David's City. This opening piece is a staple of the Carols From King's format, and sets the tone for what follows: a mixture of solemn, reverent music and joyful, uplifting carols.

One of the most striking pieces in the 2018 program is Arvo Pärt's Magnificat, a contemporary choral work based on the biblical text of Mary's song of praise from the Gospel of Luke. The piece is characterized by its use of sustained harmonies and long, intertwining vocal lines, which create a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere. The choir's performance is mesmerizing, with the singers' precise intonation and careful attention to dynamics bringing out the full depth and beauty of Pärt's music.

Another highlight of the program is a suite of carols arranged by the choir's former director, Sir David Willcocks. The Willcocks arrangements are well-known and beloved by fans of Christmas music, and the King's College Choir's renditions are no exception. In particular, their performance of O Come, All Ye Faithful is a standout moment, with the choir's powerful harmonies filling the chapel and conveying the joyous spirit of the season.

Throughout the program, there are also readings and reflections on the meaning of Christmas, given by various members of the college community. These interludes serve to deepen the spiritual dimension of the program, and provide moments of respite and reflection amid the musical festivities.

One of the most striking aspects of Carols From King's is the setting in which the program takes place. The King's College Chapel in Cambridge is a stunning piece of Gothic architecture, with soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate stonework. The chapel's beauty is only enhanced by the flickering candlelight and the ethereal sound of the choir's singing. The effect is truly breathtaking, and serves as a reminder of the power that great music and great architecture can have to uplift the soul.

Ultimately, Carols From King's 2018 is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional Christmas music, and a celebration of the joy and hope that the season represents. With its beautifully sung choral pieces and moments of quiet reflection, the program serves as a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and a reminder of what truly matters at this time of year.