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Advent Traditions: Preparing for the Christmas Season with Peter Medhurst
Learn with Peter Medhurst

Advent Traditions: Preparing for the Christmas Season with Peter Medhurst

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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

It is not known exactly when Advent was first acknowledged as part of the Church’s calendar, but it appears to be a tradition that was started sometime in the late 5th century. Etymologically, Advent is derived from the Latin adventus – coming, arrival - and for many people today, as in the past, it is a time for reflection and spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ on 25th December. Over the centuries Advent has attracted many customs and traditions, and has also inspired a wide range of fine prose and poetry, as well as some first class music. The lecture follows the ever evolving traditions of Advent and samples a range of inspired poetry and music.

Peter Medhurst appears in the UK and abroad as musician and scholar, giving recitals and delivering illustrated lectures on music and the arts. He studied composition and early keyboard instruments at the Royal College of Music in London, and singing with Erik Werba at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He is known today for his lecture-recital work which has taken him to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well as to all the major cities in Europe. He lectures for The Arts Society, The National Trust, and The Art Fund. Peter also leads tours abroad to places like Venice, Rome, Berlin, Vienna, and Madrid, and as part of the time spent exploring these places he gives organ recitals on the historic instruments in the various cathedrals and churches.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
67%
(2)
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33%
(1)
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P
P. (New York, US)

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N
N. (Victoria, CA)

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M
Marianne Rutter (Amesbury, US)
Advent's historic secrets revealed

This Conversation put me in a Christmas mood. Peter Medhurst's superb musical choices were a graceful starting point for his insightful commentary on Advent symbols and traditions that took me back to my childhood. I loved how skillfully he wove together disparate European historical traditions of the same Advent themes. You'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the Christmas season.

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
67%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
33%
(1)
0%
(0)
P
P. (New York, US)

Guest did not leave comment

N
N. (Victoria, CA)

Guest did not leave comment

M
Marianne Rutter (Amesbury, US)
Advent's historic secrets revealed

This Conversation put me in a Christmas mood. Peter Medhurst's superb musical choices were a graceful starting point for his insightful commentary on Advent symbols and traditions that took me back to my childhood. I loved how skillfully he wove together disparate European historical traditions of the same Advent themes. You'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the Christmas season.