The Advent Service remains one of Winchester College’s musical highlights of the year, filled with uplifting and reflective music that captures the spirit of the season. To begin the evening, guests were welcomed with a warm yuletide reception in New Hall before making their way to the Chapel for the much-anticipated service.

With the lights dimmed, the service opened solemnly as the Chapel Choir and Quiristers sang The Introit for Votive Masses of Our Lady in Advent by the Chapel entrance. This was followed by the Bidding and the processional hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel as the choir proceeded into the Chapel.

Once gathered inside, the service unfolded through a rich sequence of Advent lessons, responsories, hymns, and anthems. The Chapel Choir and Quiristers delivered exceptional performances of much-loved Advent works including Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, Hark! The Glad Sound, and Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending. A particularly moving highlight was their poignant rendition of the Magnificat.

To conclude the evening, attendees were treated to a stirring organ performance of Louis Vierne’s Allegro from Symphony No. 3—a fitting finale to a memorable and contemplative event.

The Advent Service at Winchester College was a truly enriching experience, marked by outstanding music and a profound sense of anticipation as the festive season begins.

Bernadette Nelson
Q Parent