Watch Carols from King's

Carols from King's is a beautifully crafted musical tradition that is unique to the Christmas season. It is an annual Christmas Eve service that takes place in the majestic King's College Chapel located in Cambridge, UK. This service is one of the most iconic and celebrated in the world, and it is broadcast on television and radio stations all over the globe.

The event is attended by thousands of people every year, and it offers a truly magical experience for everyone involved. It is a service of Lessons and Carols that blends carols, hymns, and readings from the Bible to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The event is always held in the evening and is lit by candles, which adds to the ambience and beauty of the experience.

The King's College Chapel is an incredible piece of architecture that is over 500 years old. It boasts fan-vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and an amazing acoustic that makes it perfect for music-making. The choir that performs at the service is the famous King's College Choir of Cambridge, which is made up of 16 young choristers and 14 choral scholars. The choir's reputation is global, and its performances are highly sought after.

The service itself is a mix of readings and carols that tell the story of the Nativity. It opens with a solitary chorister singing the first verse of "Once in Royal David's City," which is a traditional carol and a longstanding tradition of the service. The procession of choristers follows, and the service begins with an opening hymn. After each lesson that is read, a carol is sung by the choir or the congregation.

The music featured in the service is a mix of classical and contemporary carols, including many traditional favorites such as "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and "Silent Night." The King's College Choir singing these carols is a truly enchanting experience that captures the spirit of Christmas perfectly. The choir's vocals are precise and clear, and the sound they create fills the chapel and transports the audience to another world.

One of the highlights of the service is the choir's performance of "In The Bleak Midwinter," which is a beautiful and haunting carol that was written by the poet Christina Rossetti. The King's College Choir's version of this carol is widely regarded as the best in the world, and it never fails to bring tears to the eyes of those who hear it.

Throughout the service, the choir alternates between singing alone and with the congregation in order to create a sense of community and togetherness. The final carol of the service is "O Holy Night," and its final verse is sung in unison by everyone in the chapel. It's a spine-tingling moment that leaves many people feeling emotional and uplifted.

Overall, Carols from King's is a truly breathtaking musical experience that should not be missed. It captures the essence of Christmas perfectly by weaving together music, readings, and the beauty of the King's College Chapel. The King's College Choir is the heart of the service, and its performances are always of the highest quality. This is a must-see service for anyone who loves Christmas music or appreciates the beauty of traditional Christian worship.

Carols from King's is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (2 episodes). The series first aired on December 24, 2020.