Carolfest 2008 - the 50th Festival of Carols

Celebrate 50 years of Carolfest at Sydney University! This Christmas, history will resonate in the Great Hall of Sydney University — and you and your family are invited.

Modelled on the King’s College, Cambridge Christmas tradition of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, Carolfest offers its own unique twist of classical and traditional seasonal repertoire from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Immerse yourself in German, Latin, Russian and Ukrainian carols. Hear the delightful ‘Silent Night’ in its original German or sing along to the traditional ‘Deck the Hall’ and ‘Good King Wenceslas’.

This is the 50th anniversary of this popular concert series and it is not to be missed. SUMS President Ben Mullaney says, “SUMS’ annual Carolfest concerts are an opportunity for people to celebrate Christmas in a non-religious setting, while still holding true to the Christmas story. The Carolfest experience is very special, and many people from the wider Sydney community consider it a crucial part of their Christmas celebration."

To celebrate the anniversary, SUMS has commissioned a new Australian Christmas carol by Sydney composer Dan Walker. ‘Southern Carol’ will première at this year’s concert. Other notable participants at Carolfest include Professor Marie Bashir (Governor of NSW and Chancellor of the University) and Vice-Chancellor of the University Dr Michael Spence, both of whom have accepted invitations to read at the concerts.

A free program will guide the audience through the evening, and you are invited afterwards to enjoy a light supper provided by the choir.

Tickets $25/$20(conc)/$60(family)/$10 (under 12)/$15(Access cardholders).
Please note proof of concession will need to be presented at the door.