by Emma Shapiro ’20
Singers in Madrigals performed at Saint Saivour’s Chapel on Dec. 13 at the annual Christmas Convocation. The performance was called “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” to welcome the holidays. The convocation first began in the 1800s, but the Madrigals have participated in the event for 25 years. During the performance, the group performed “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” by only a quartet of students, “Gaudeamus Hodie,” “All my Heart this Night Rejoices” and “Angels of Seven.” Choral Director, Nina Burtchaell, said she sincerely enjoyed giving her students the ability to continue the school’s tradition. Burtchaell said she was proud of their performance due to the plenty of rehearsals.
“It’s always a beautiful service. It would be nice if more people who loved to sing traditional Christmas carols would come and sing along because it’s a really fun time of year to do that,” Burtchaell said.
Their songs were accompanied by excerpts from the Bible to honor the upcoming Christian holiday. The lessons started with the creation of Adam and Eve and led to Christmas. Upper School Chaplain, Father Jay Young led the service providing the historical part to the ceremony. “I thought it was a nice convocation. It was a really fun experience, and I want to thank Ms. Burtchaell and the pastor and all the people for being there,” singer Jake Schroeder ‘20 said.