A liturgical update in time for Christmas? | Brief letters

Sir Stephen Cleobury | Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols | Decades’ ends | Falling Michelin stars | Michael Gove | VAR for political statements

Former students were also able to experience Sir Stephen Cleobury’s superb musicianship and conducting skills (Obituary, 25 November). At the annual alumni weekend Cleobury would rehearse a large group of singers of varying ability for a major choral work. The rehearsal started at 4pm, and by 9pm the choir would be in a position to give a creditable public performance in the nave of the glorious King’s College chapel.
Dr Sylvia Dunkley
Sheffield

• How inspiring to read of Stephen Cleobury’s determination to drag into the 21st century the music of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge. How sad that such boldness has not been matched by those responsible for the liturgical and scriptural material at this event, listened to across the world. These unchanging, archaic texts speak of a God who no longer lives, save in nostalgic reverie.
Richard Giles
Tynemouth, North Tyneside

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