The Italian-born organist and composer Pietro Alessandro Yon is known today primarily for his beloved Christmas anthem Gesù Bambino. Surprisingly, his renown as the organist of the Vatican in Rome and his work as the organist at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York has been overlooked. He wrote many works for organ, piano, and orchestra, and several masses. For the Christmas Eve Family Service, the LOTI choir, guest musicians and organist Dr. Kristina Rizzotto will perform several of Yon’s works including, Christmas in Sicily, Mass of the Shepherds and the familiar Gesù Bambino.

As in years past, the Family Service at 4:30 on Christmas Eve will center around the Christmas story in St. Luke’s gospel framed in familiar Christmas carols and culminating in a living nativity scene at the manger for Holy Communion. Please note that there will be only one evening service this year on Christmas Eve.