Presented by Chorus Novus under the direction of Terrance Keach. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a service celebrating the birth of Jesus, traditionally followed at Christmas. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings by community members and local dignitaries, including former Mayor William Johnson and WXXI’s Jeanne Fisher. They are interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols and congregational hymns, accompanied by the Monroe Brass and Derek Remes at the organ. Musical selections include works by Elgar, Rutter, and Vivaldi.