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ÿÈÕ´óÈü¹ÙÍø Department of Fine Arts will present "A Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols" featuring the Longview Civic Chorus and the LeTourneau Singers at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 906 Padon Street in Longview. The event is free and open to the public.

The chorus and singers will be accompanied by string orchestra and organ, directed by LETU Director of Fine Arts Dr. Jim Taylor.

Before the service, a recital of orchestral and choral Christmas favorites will be presented including music written by Handel, Bach, Corelli, Rachmaninoff, and Ebeling.

"The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols began in England in the late 1800s and was later reproduced by King's College, Cambridge in 1918," Taylor said. "It has been broadcast on radio and television on Christmas Eve since 1928. It tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus through short Bible readings interspersed with carols, hymns, and choral music. The format creates an elegant and joyful service of worship with an abundance of beautiful music in the beautiful setting of the Trinity Episcopal Church, with excellent acoustics for choir, string orchestra and organ. It will be an evening not to be missed!"

The service will include performances featuring only the Longview Civic Chorus, and others featuring only the LeTourneau Singers, and some performances with the two choirs together with the congregation.

ÿÈÕ´óÈü¹ÙÍø is the premier Christian polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community. LETU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a range of disciplines and delivery models at LETU's residential campus in Longview, Texas, and in hybrid and fully online options at centers in the Dallas and Houston areas. For additional information, visit www.LETU.edu.