Gold, frankincense and myrrh

The Feast of the Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian holidays, celebrated in commemoration of the Eastern Magi who found their way to Bethlehem by following a star in the sky. The star led them to a stable where they found Jesus, whom they honoured with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

As the Magi—also referred to as kings or wise men—process into the Cathedral, accompanied by the donkey, the ox, and the lamb, Anglican church music takes centre stage. The manger is filled with straw, the infant Jesus gazes around in wonder, and Benjamin Britten’s music pulses with joy and varied rhythms. In *Rejoice in the Lamb* and the suite *A.M.D.G – Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam*, with text by the Jesuit priest Gerard Manley Hopkins, Britten challenges the choirs (and his audience) with broad, sweeping lines filled with rich chords and dynamic shifts in tempo and character.

The Oxen is a Christmas poem written by Thomas Hardy in 1915. Jonathan Rathbone, formerly the first tenor in the vocal group The Swingle Singers, crafted this heartfelt arrangement in 1991.

*Donkey Carol* is one of John Rutter’s most beloved Christmas songs, written in the 1970s.

We also invite the audience to join in singing hymn 433: *In dulci jubilo*, together with the organ and choir.

Programme:
Benjamin Britten Rejoice in the Lamb
Benjamin Britten Excerpts from A.M.D.G – Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Jonathan Rathbone The Oxen
John Rutter Donkey Carol

S:t Jacob’s Vocal Ensemble
Johannes Skoog organ
Mikael Wedar conductor

Age limits: 6 years+
Ticket prices: 180 SEK, discounts available for pensioners, children/youth/students

Please note that large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and prams are not allowed inside the church!

Tickets will be released on 5 September at 12:00.