A firm fixture on the Second City's festive calendar, the
Birmingham Bach Choir will present their hugely popular
Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday December 17, 2017, at
St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate. Beginning at 3.30pm,
Nine Lessons and Carols will feature a series of Bible readings telling the Christmas story, interspersed with seasonal music for the choir and congregation.
Led by conductor
Paul Spicer and accompanied by organist Paul Carr, those attending will be invited to join in singing such familiar carols as
O Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem and
Hark The Herald Angels, as well as listening to the choir perform John Rutter's
Dormi Jesu, R Rodney Bennett's
Lullaby Baby, and Tomas Luis de Victoria's beautiful 16th century motet,
O Magnum Mysterium.
Though a long-held annual tradition, this year marks Birmingham Bach Choir's second visit to St Alban the Martyr, in Conybere Street, Highgate. A hidden 19th century Grade II* listed Gothic Revival gem, it's renowned for its magnificent ornamental panels, painted by Birmingham-born artist Kate Bunce. With a hand-beaten copper frame by sister Myra, the panels demonstrate a strong Pre-Raphaelite influence.

Venue: St Alban the Martyr Church (pic: By Oosoom - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3628362)
Birmingham Bach Choir Chairman Sarah Platt, said: "
Just a few minutes away from the bustle of the city centre, the magnificent St Alban's is a lovely venue for our traditional afternoon Nine Lessons and Carols service, which touches on the true spirit of Christmas. We welcome all to come and join us in reflection and song."
Nine Lessons and Carols takes place on December 17, 2017, the last Sunday before Christmas, at 3.30pm. Admission is free, with an optional collection for church funds. No booking required.
In addition to the traditional service, members of the Birmingham Bach Choir, together with the Midlands Military and Community Choir, will be filling the atrium of the
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, with the sound of Christmas carols on Wednesday December 20, 2017, from 6.30pm - 7.45pm. Donations from the audience will help to provide Christmas trees for the wards, treats for staff and patients, and free parking and television for patients and their visitors on Christmas Day.
For more information on the choir's Christmas activities, see:
www.birmingham.bachchoir.com