Classical carols please the ear at St. Cyril Catholic Church on Christmas Day

The congregation at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church enjoyed a classical Christmas music program, “Carols with St. Cyril Choir and Orchestra,” that was included as part of the Christmas day’s schedule at the Encino parish.

The half-hour interlude included eight carols from the 16th century to modern adaptations of chants and along with music performed by the orchestra.

The choir sang most of the songs in English, two songs in Latin, and one, “Cantique de Noël,” in French.

“It’s like a little concert,” said Vicky McCargar, a 7-year choir member at St. Cyril, of the time before the noon Mass. “People come early for the music.”

The parish’s Rosales Pipe Organ Op. 23 was played during the carols program by William Beck, the parish’s music director.

The pipe organ is called upon to provide atmosphere and mood that fits the traditional classical music that the parish also enjoys throughout the rest of the year.

“The mood is festive and joyous, and of course, the church is decorated to the max for the 12 days of Christmas,” said McCargar.

St. Cyril’s is, she pointed out, “one of the few places where composers such as Tallis, Bach and Mendelssohn can still be heard, all year long.”