Above: Tom Andino, dressed in holiday finery, faces the music, not the camera, as he directs the choir in one of the songs offered during ‘Lessons and Carols’ at Our Lady of Hope Church.
By Dc. Tom Cuskey
It had an opening night feel, even though the production featured a veteran cast and director who had presented this event before. Many times.
This new edition of Tom Andino’s “Lessons and Carols” debuted December 15 in a new home, Our Lady of Hope Church in Syracuse’s Valley neighborhood. Andino directed the presentation attended by more than 700, which featured more than 100 vocalists and musicians, some in new collaborations and some who have been part of the 20-year history of the Le Moyne College program where Andino was previously in charge of campus ministry. Andino is the music and liturgy director for Our Lady of Hope and St. Michael’s St. Peter’s of Onondaga Hill, and he is director of deacon formation for the Diocese of Syracuse.
See the Sun preview story here: https://thecatholicsun.com/lessons-and-carols-debuts-in-new-home-2/
This night was all about music and prayer.
The artists included the combined choirs of St. Michael’s/St. Peter’s and Our Lady of Hope, 100 strong. There were 20 soloists, a 15-piece orchestra and 15 readers. Also included were the Camillus Community Choir as well as vocalists from Holy Cross Church in Dewitt and St. Joseph’s Church in Camillus. Josh Corcoran, music director at Holy Cross Church and head of the diocesan liturgy office also contributed, along with others.
We are sorry we can’t share the sounds of the production, but we hope you can get a sense of the grace and spirit in the accompanying photo collection.
