Recap: 2021 Carols of Many Nations

An annual tradition of international celebration at Princeton Theological Seminary, Carols of Many Nations took place on Wednesday, December 8. Seminary community members presented scripture lessons and the Chapel Choir performed choral anthems and carols from around the world. New songs added to this year's service included Shawn Kirchner’s setting of the Kenyan song,Wana baraka, and William Dawson’s grand setting of the spiritual Behold the Star, which was directed by student conductor Otis Byrd. Perennial favorites, including Carolyn Jenning’s setting of the Chinese carol Pengyou, ting and a choral processional accompanying David Willcock’s arrangement of O Come, All Ye Faithful, also appeared in this year's performance. MDiv/MSW student Kamaria Byrd-McAllister perfomed a liturgical dance to O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Languages sung or spoken during this year's concerts included Swahili, Spanish, Luganda, Igbo, German, Scots, Cantonese, Romanian, Arabic, Malayalam, Greek, Mandarin, Korean, Latin, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, and English.

All are welcome to watch or listen to the concert below, and to view photos in our online gallery. Text for readings and songs in other languages can be found in the Carols of Many Nations program.