HONOLULU — The choir of the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew will perform a carol concert at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.

Under John Renke, Cathedral Director of Music and Liturgy, the choir will celebrate carols spanning the centuries. Selections include choral, instrumental, and audience participation pieces.

Carols date back to 12th century Europe, and were originally sung at parties in every season. After a decline in carols during the Protestant Reformation, the songs made a triumphant comeback in the 1880s when the Anglican Church held its first Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols and the Salvation Army fielded its first Christmas brass band. Caroling quickly became associated with Advent (the four-week church season leading up to Christmas) and Christmas.

Carol concerts like those at King's College in Cambridge, England and Grace Cathedral in San Francisco have become world-famous traditions. Likewise, concert at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew has become an anticipated tradition among downtown Honolulu's mosaic of holiday festivities, event organizers said.

"I'd like to welcome the Honolulu community to the Cathedral for this magnificent event," said the Very Rev. Timothy W. Sexton, Cathedral Provost. "The beautiful sounds of the Cathedral choir help me to experience the true joy of the season, and to focus on the coming of Christ. I hope everyone who attends will experience that same joy."

Audience members are advised to arrive early to find seating.