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2022 - Midnight Mass from Blackburn Cathedral

Live from Blackburn Cathedral, carols and seasonal music for the first Mass of Christmas, led by the dean of Blackburn, with the bishop of Burnley preaching.

Live from Blackburn Cathedral, the traditional celebration of the first Mass of Christmas and the Blessing of the Crib. The music is led by Blackburn Cathedral Chorus, with traditional favourites such as Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day and On Christmas Night All Christians Sing, as well as a new arrangement of a traditional Ukrainian carol, Deepest Wonder, set to a Ukrainian folk tune. The Eucharist setting is taken from French composer Louis Vierne鈥檚 dramatic Messe Solennelle.

The choir is joined by a congregation from Blackburn鈥檚 diverse community, which, along with nearby Darwen, forms one of Lancashire鈥檚 largest population centres. Favourite congregational carols include Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful and Of the Father鈥檚 Love Begotten.

Set in the heart of Blackburn鈥檚 town centre, the modern gothic Cathedral Church of Saint Mary the Virgin with St Paul stands on a site that has been used for Christian worship for over 1,300 years.

The dean of Blackburn, the Most Rev Peter Howell-Jones, presides and introduces the service, while the preacher is the bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev Philip North. The director of music is John Robinson and the organist is John Hosking.

1 hour, 14 minutes

Music Played

  • Bach Choir

    Of The Father's Heart Begotten

  • Malcolm Sargent Festival Choir

    Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Matthew Woodward
Executive Producer Chris Loughlin
Producer Mark O'Brien

Broadcast