• Candlelight Carol

  • History of the Candlelight Carol Service

    In 1963, under the direction of Robert McGill, the Hendrix College Choir began presenting a service of lessons and carols, modeled after the annual Christmas Eve service at King's College in Cambridge, England. The Candlelight Carol Service has since become an important Hendrix tradition. Each year over 1,200 people attend one of the four on-campus performances during the last week of classes. Immediately following final exams, the Choir tours the region, performing the service at United Methodist churches in Arkansas and neighboring states. Repertoire featured in the Candlelight Carol Services changes yearly and includes works from the 15th century to the present day. 

    Enthusiasts of organ music greatly enjoy the service, which features Hendrix College organist Timothy Allen performing works on our splendid two-manual organ, constructed in 1997 by Little Rock organ builders Nichols & Simpson, Inc. (you can read more about the instrument here).

    Hendrix College Candlelight Carol Commissions

    Each year since 2015, the Hendrix College Choir has given a world premiere of a brand-new composition to celebrate the Christmas season. The highly accomplished composers selected to compose for the choir have included Edmund Jolliffe, Janet Wheeler, Alan MacMillan, John Madden, Chiwei Hui, and Laurel Luke Christensen. We are pleased to announce that composer Shavon Lloyd of New York City was selected to compose this year's premiere. His composition is a thrilling new setting of the O Magnum Mysterium text, infused with rhythmic vitality and joyful urgency. We look forward to sharing his exuberant new work with audiences in December. 

    Donations from Candlelight attendees, alumni, and friends of the College help make this project possible each year. We thank you for your support of this important work!