‘NOT YOUR USUAL NINE LESSONS’
A FESTIVAL OF POETRY AND CAROLS WITH VOX CAPE TOWN
Building on its reputation for creating innovative performances that enrich the musical life of the Mother City, VOX Cape Town presented a fresh take on the famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.
This concert-style reimagining of the traditional service retained the much-loved hymns and carols but replaced the Nine Lessons with powerful readings that evoke the character of the original Biblical extracts, offering a contemporary lens through which to appreciate this timeless story. Messages of renewal and hope, gathered from the writings of William Blake, TS Eliot, Maya Angelou, Ingrid Jonker, Nelson Mandela, Carl Sagan and others, blended tradition with inclusivity while pairing beautifully with festive favourites such as Torches, In Dulci Jubilo and The Crown of Roses and more recent compositions by John Tavener and Arvo Pärt.
Rondebosch United also hosted its annual Christmas Market in the church garden and hall from 5 PM to 8 PM that same evening. On offer were baked goods, crafts, snacks and drinks!
Sunday 1 December 2024 at 6 PM
Rondebosch United Church, Belmont Road
Interview on Fine Music Radio's 'Cape Diary' 27.11.2024
“Beautifully curated. The readings and carols were so well-matched and thought-provoking. The singing was angelic. The concert uplifted the spirits and was a perfect start to the Christmas season.”
“An evening of beautiful singing; a well-planned programme faultlessly executed. Congrats to VOX!”
“Thank you! I loved your creative, thoughtful choice of readings with thought-provoking links to the traditional service, and (always!) your choice of music.”
‘Not Your Usual Nine Lessons’ – selection of readings
First Lesson: The Fall of Humanity.
Replacement: ‘A Poison Tree’ by William Blake (1757–1827, England)
Second Lesson: The Promise to Abraham.
Replacement: ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley (1849–1903, Britain)
Third Lesson: The Prophecy of the Messiah.
Replacement: ‘Ring Out, Wild Bells’ by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–1892, England)
Fourth Lesson: The Peaceable Kingdom.
Replacement: Extract from ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ by Nelson Mandela (1918–2013, South Africa)
Fifth Lesson: The Birth of Jesus Foretold.
Replacement: Extract from ‘On the Pulse of Morning’ by Maya Angelou (1928–2014, United States)
Sixth Lesson: The Birth of Jesus.
Replacement Reading: ‘Die Kind’ (‘The Child’) by Ingrid Jonker (1933–1965, South Africa)
Seventh Lesson: The Shepherds and the Angels.
Replacement: Extract from ‘Pale Blue Dot’ by Carl Sagan (1934–1996, United States)
Eighth Lesson: The Visit of the Wise Men.
Replacement: ‘Journey of the Magi’ by TS Eliot (1888–1965, Britain)
Ninth Lesson: St John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation. (St John 1:1–14)
As we approach the end of the year and life’s demands crescendo, join us for a musical interlude… From serene moments of reflection to jubilant hymns of praise – whether you prefer the boldness of fresh ideas, the timelessness of established traditions or the grandeur of a full orchestra – there are musical delights for everyone on our Christmas menu!
Christmas 2024 with VOX: ‘Not Your Usual Nine Lessons’ (01/12) | A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (08/12) | ‘O Holy Night’ (11/12–12/12)