Marsden’s annual Carol Service once again brought the school community together in the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul for an evening of tradition, music, and scripture. This year’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols opened with a reflective handbell prelude of Silent Night, setting a contemplative tone before our premier choir Altissime joined to carry the familiar melody through the cathedral.
The service unfolded through the traditional nine lessons, read by members of the school community, tracing the story of hope and promise woven through scripture - from the creation narrative to the wonder of the Incarnation.
Between the lessons, our choirs filled the cathedral with music that celebrated both their talent and the depth of Marsden’s choral tradition. Altissime, Ad Summa, and the Larks each brought their own musical character to the evening. Over the course of 16 carols, the choirs moved from pieces such as the contemplative In the Bleak Midwinter and the powerful O Holy Night to the energetic Carol of the Bells, where the handbells were intricately woven into the arrangement. Soloists throughout the evening, the combined voices of the choirs, and the intimate harmony of the Septet in What Child is This? / The First Noel added depth and emotion, drawing listeners into the story of the Nativity. Altissime’s gentle rendition of the French carol Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle provided contrast, allowing the audience to pause and reflect amid the festive celebrations.
As the final lessons were read, culminating in St John’s proclamation of the mystery of Christ’s birth, the atmosphere in the cathedral shifted from anticipation to celebration. The congregation joined with the choirs in Hark the Herald Angels Sing, accompanied by Sage Pettus (Class of 2024) on the organ, before Bach’s In Dulci Jubilo closed the service with a lively flourish.
The evening was a beautiful celebration of music, faith, and community. Families, staff, and students left the cathedral uplifted, cherishing once again this highlight of the school’s end-of-year calendar.
Heartfelt thanks go to all who contributed, including our organists and pianists, choir trainers, handbell leaders, and our Director of Music, Mrs Marian Campbell, for their time, talent, and dedication in making the service such a memorable occasion.
The full service can be viewed via the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul livestream, beginning at 1:35:00 here.
View and download photos here
