The Service of Lessons and Carols: A celebration of tradition and community

JOHNSTOWN ― The enchanting sounds of the holiday season will fill the Grand Halle on Broad Street at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 as the Grand Halle presents its annual Service of Lessons and Carols, a cherished tradition modeled after the esteemed event held by King's College, Cambridge and broadcast on National Public Radio.

The Service of Lessons and Carols is a community-wide celebration that brings together individuals from all walks of life. The nine lessons are selected Scripture readings from both the Old and New Testament that foretell the coming of Christ and are read by members of the community. This year's readers will include a government official, a first responder, and various community leaders, adding a meaningful and diverse element to the program.

Joined by violinist Zelie Merrill, Emily Roy, music director and organist for Resurrection Parish in Cambria City, will provide pre-program music and lead the carols on the Grand Halle’s historical Adam Stein pipe organ.

The service opens with the poignant English carol "Once in Royal David's City," sung as a solo by the talented 8-year-old Josephina Forcellini. A second-grade student at Jackson Elementary School, Josephina is a member of “Inclined to Sing” and is also passionate about dance and gymnastics.

The singing of familiar carols will be led by the Greater Johnstown Community Chorus, an 18-member ensemble under the direction of the accomplished Zing Alsop. Alsop, with music degrees from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, will guide the choir in performing select musical anthems, including works by John Rutter and John Ness Beck. The program will also feature beloved pieces such as "Do You Hear what I Hear?"

Adding to the holiday spirit, the Glory Ringers Handbell Choir, directed by Lois Mock, will grace the program with its special performance. The ringers have participated in the program since its inception, making the handbell accompaniment to "Silent Night" an especially memorable moment of the service.

The public is invited to join in this celebration of tradition and community. As seating is limited, attendees are encouraged to secure tickets in advance.

For ticket information and further details, visit the Grand Halle’s website at GrandHalle.com, email info@grandhalle.com or call 814-254-4033.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: The Service of Lessons and Carols: Celebrating tradition, community