Carols with the Choir: Of Joy Illumined

December 12, 2026 • 5:00pm
First Congregational Church of Evanston
1445 Hinman Ave, Evanston

Audience reception to follow concert, please join us!

December 13, 2026 • 3:00pm
St. Paul’s UCC
2335 N Orchard Street, Chicago

Purchase Tickets

Concert Broadcast
December 20, 2026

Broadcast Access

Concert Receptions
Join your fellow audience members, singers, CCC board and staff for a light wine & cheese reception following each Saturday evening performance! Have a chance to catch up with singers, talk about your favorite piece on the program, and enjoy the CCC community. 

Thank you to our reception sponsors ROGERS PARK SOCIAL AND PROVISIONS

Inspired by the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, Of Joy Illumined takes us on a journey to manifest our own joy in times of darkness. Joy is a choice and it can peak through the darkness; joy is an act of resistance.

Our singers will share poetry and readings that lead them to find joy alongside a musical program full of triumphant organ. Organist Charlie Sega returns to CCC, playing Rachel Portman’s new The Darkling Thrush, Jonathan Dove’s Seek Him that Maketh the Seven Stars, and audience carols. Join us to experience the joy of the holiday season.

Program

Puer natus in bethlehem – Gregorian Chant

Rorate Caeli — Palestrina

Stopping by the wood on a snowy evening – Whitacre 

To morning — Gabriel Jackson

Christmas round – John Tavener

Today the virgin – John Tavener

Seek Him that Maketh the Seven Stars – Jonathan Dove

—

O magnum mysterium — T.L. Victoria

There will be rest – Frank Tichelli

Arise shine — Anna Lapwood (Chicago premiere)

The Darkling Thrush – Rachel Portman (Chicago premiere)

In Dulci Jubilo — Pearsal 

Hodie Christus natus est — Sweelinck

Glory to the new born king — Moses Hogan

Collaborating Artists

Charlie Sega, organ

Talar Khosdeghian, piano

Tickets

  • Adult: $32

  • Student (13+): $15

  • Kids 12 and under: FREE

  • Group (11 people or more): $25

  • Broadcasts: $15 suggested donation

Parking and Transit Options

Saturday at First Congregational Church of Evanston

The building is just east of Raymond Park, between Grove and Lake streets.

Parking

Ample street parking is available on the streets around the church.

Transit

We are walking distance from the Dempster Purple Line stop.

Sunday at St. Paul’s UCC, Chicago

Parking

The church parking lot is at 634 W Kemper Pl.

  • All parking is first-come, first-served, with the below exceptions. 

  • The east half of the parking lot is rented to Lincoln Elementary on school year weekdays from 8am to 4pm.

  • There are reserved parking spaces on the west side of the parking lot for renters, from 4pm to 8am. 

  • Additional parking is available at the Lincoln Common Parking Garage, located just a block away at 2316 N. Lincoln Ave. Rates and additional information can be found on Parking.com.

Transit

Accessible from the Fullerton station with the Brown, Red, and Purple lines.

Support

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.