Lessons and Carols for Today
December 18 and 19, 2023
Lessons and Carols for Today offers a modern twist on the Anglican tradition of interspersing biblical passages with choral and congregational singing. Collaborating with Kansas City poet Natasha Ria El-Scari, Natasha will write and perform new poetry to replace the traditional biblical lessons, delivering modern reflections on the Nativity story through an African American Feminist lens. Te Deum will sing a wide variety of Christmas music, and the audience will have their own opportunity to join in thoughtful and hope-filled singing.
Monday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (map)
Tuesday, December 19, 7:00 p.m.
Village Presbyterian Church (map)
Admission:
Season Tickets | $75 (save 40% off General Admission price)
Group Advance Tickets (5 or more, purchased at link below) | $15
Advanced Tickets (purchased at link below) | $20
Senior | $20
General Admission Onsite | $25
Students | Free with ID
Buy Tickets to Lessons and Carols for Today
Purchase Te Deum: Lessons
In keeping with the tradition of spoken word poetry, the words of the Lessons performed by Natasha Ria El-Scari will NOT be printed in the concert program. However, an elegantly printed book of these poems is available to enjoy and revisit after both performances. Pre-purchase your $10.00 copy by adding it to your online ticket purchase and then pick it up at the reception after the concert. Limited copies will also be available for purchase on-site.
About Natasha Ria El-Scari
Natasha Ria El-Scari (website) is a writer, Cave Canem fellow, and educator for over a decade. Her poetry, academic papers, and personal essays have been published in anthologies, literary and online journals. She has opened for and introduced many great writers, singers and activists, and has been featured at a host of universities and venues nationwide. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Natasha has a BA from Jackson State University and a MA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Natasha’s Black Feminist approach is reflected in her writing, poetry and performance pieces. Natasha brings the fire! She is a newlywed with two adult children and a teen bonus son. Once asked in an interview what makes her unique she replied, “…most people lie to themselves, but I like to reveal myself.” Natasha’s perspective as a mother, educator, feminist, performer and artist makes her a dynamic speaker and presenter for all ages.
About Jan Kraybill, Organist
Lessons and Carols for Today will feature Grammy-nominated Organist Dr. Jan Kraybill (website). Jan is a GRAMMY®-nominated concert artist, musical leader, speaker, and enthusiastic advocate for the power of music to change lives for the better. She has performed as a soloist, collaborative musician, and hymn festival designer/leader in Australia, Europe, North America, Russia, South Korea, and Tahiti. In Kansas City she is Organ Conservator at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Organist-in-Residence at Community of Christ headquarters, and organist at Village on Antioch Presbyterian Church. In 2020, Jan’s solo recording, The Orchestral Organ (Reference Recordings), received three GRAMMY® nominations, including Best Classical Instrumental Solo album.