“Candles and Carols” is perfect for the small- or medium-sized choir for Advent and Christmas. The considerable talents of Pamela Martin and Mark Hayes have created an intimate, participatory experience for both choir and congregation, which celebrates the traditional Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love by observing the tradition of lighting the Advent candles. This work may be performed in individual movements throughout the weeks of Advent and Christmas, or in its entirety for any Advent Sunday, for Christmas Eve/Day, or for special seasonal celebrations. As each candle is lit and each narration spoken, beautiful settings of familiar carols—each having a newly written verse by Pamela Martin—may be sung by the choir, the congregation or any combination of the two. Choral part-writing is very accessible, and optional vocal solos are featured on some carols. The work may be performed with a full orchestra, a smaller ensemble, or a fully orchestrated Accompaniment CD.