All can still enjoy Princeton Seminary’s annual Carols of Many Nations service via a YouTube livestream. The time-honored Christmas tradition will feature the Chapel Choir, directed by Martin Tel and accompanied by Michael Gittens, as well as alumni from various locations around the world who will read the scripture lessons.
Princeton Seminary PhD student Noah Buchholz will offer a lesson in American Sign Language.
“Although we will not gather in the traditional sense, incorporating our international alumni this year is a special treat that will allow us to lean into the global aspect of ‘many nations’,” says Martin Tel, C.F. Seabrook Director of Music and Chapel Choir conductor.
Alumni representing many countries, cultures, and Christian traditions will participate in the program, including:
- Melissa Chan (Malaysia)
- Hossam Garas (Egypt)
- Bruno M. Linhares Jr. (Brazil)
- Andreta Livena (Latvia)
- Hminga Pachuau (India)
- Maria Salome P. Smith (Liberia)
To create some continuity with the past and experience the event as we remember it, some of the program will be comprised of footage of choral pieces from the 2019 program, including Pablo Sosa’s El cielo canta alegría and Rosephanye Powell’s rhythmic Nigerian-inspired chant Ogo ni fun Oluwa.
Freshly recorded works will include Andre Thomas’ spiritual arrangement, Keep Your Lamps!; Martin Tel’s setting of O Come, O Come Emanuel featuring dancer Casandra Safronov; and our own Michael Gittens’ arrangement of the gospel song, What a Wonderful Child.
The service will conclude as it traditionally has with the choir singing Peace, Peace while members of the community sing a candle-lit Silent Night followed by a jubilant (and defiant) Joy to the World.
The unique delivery of this program — a hybrid of live and recorded and old and new — is one of many creative worship experiences coordinated by Melissa Haupt, Chapel Office program and publication manager.
For those who are not able to join for the livestream broadcast, the service will be posted on the Seminary’s website.
