Music at St. James

Organ Recitals at St. James – Every Tuesday at 1:00pm

One of the city’s finest organs, the instrument was originally built in 1863 by Samuel Russell Warren. It has since been enlarged to include 5,101 pipes arranged in three beautiful organ cases, enveloping the listener its sumptuous sounds. Details of the instrument are found here

Our concert series features many of the finest organists from the region, both students and experienced artists, and organists from across the globe. The repertoire includes all the classics of the repertoire from Bach and Mendelssohn to contemporary classical music and much more besides! Details are usually shared on Facebook prior to performances here

We invite you to enjoy the performances on our YouTube channel

Admission is always free. Donations are welcome.

We are most grateful for the support of the Royal Canadian College of Organists in sharing and supporting this concert series, and for their work in promoting the music of the organ across the nation.

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Mark your calendars for the following recitals:

Free events. RSVP on Eventbrite here.

May:

Tuesday, May 5: William Lupton (St. Martin-in-the-Fields London ON)

Tuesday, May 12: Adam MacNeil (Trinity College, U of T)

Tuesday, May 19: William O’Meara (Toronto)

Tuesday, May 26: Kirk Adsett (St. Clements Anglican Church, Toronto)

June:

Tuesday, June 2: Michelle Chung (Streetsville United Church)

Thursday, June 4: Early Music at St. James – Blockflöte, Bergamo and Bach. Toronto Baroque Players: Ryoko Hou, harpsichord, Samuel Rothermel, viola & Ivan Vutev, viola da gamba. Music by Telemann, Rameau, Marino, and Bach.

Tuesday, June 9:  Michal Szostak (Poland)

Tuesday, June 16: Tim Pyper (Williams College, Massachusetts)

Tuesday, June 23: Anindyo Das (York U)

Tuesday, June 30: Thomas Gonder (Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton)

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Early Music at St. James – Selected Thursdays at 1:00 pm

Featuring performances on historical instruments within the sumptuous acoustics of St. George’s Chapel, our Early Music recitals have become very popular. These free concerts showcase professional soloists and ensembles playing music from the Renaissance and Baroque, musical balm for the soul!

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Questions? Email us at info@stjamescathedral.ca or call (416)364-7865.

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Know a child who loves to sing?

Our Children’s Community Choir invites all music-loving children ages 8–16 to join us for weekly rehearsals on Saturday mornings from 9:30–10:30am in the Cathedral Centre.

The choir focuses on choral repertoire, healthy singing technique, and musical literacy, all in a supportive, engaging and fun environment.

For more information:
Cara Halpin – Children’s Community Choir Director
chalpin@stjamescathedral.ca

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June 13 at 10:00am • Children’s Community Choir Concert

Join us for a joyful Children’s Community Choir concert and experience the beauty of young voices in harmony.

Free event. Reception follows. Invite your family, friends and neighbours.

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August 31 to September 3: Children’s Choir Summer Camp – 9:30am to 3:00pm

Music Camp for children ages 8-12 interested in singing and music!

Activities include choir & music activities, art, drama, guest musicians, and outdoor time.

Final recital: September 3 at 2:00pm

Register here

Sing with us!

Music is an integral part of the life, worship, and ministry of the Cathedral. Our Anglican musical heritage continues to enrich our services and to evolve in new and exciting ways.

The Cathedral Choir has a repertoire which is rooted in the Anglican cathedral tradition, spanning sacred choral music from the 16th century to the modern era. In addition to providing music for Choral Eucharist on Sunday at 11:00am the choir sings for the much-loved candlelight services at Advent, Christmas, and Easter. The annual performances of Messiah are a perennial favourite and are always sold-out!

The Evensong Choir shares a similar membership with the Cathedral Choir. Experienced musicians who enjoy singing the beautiful office of Evensong each Sunday afternoon at 4.30 p.m. are warmly invited to join us.

The St. James Singers meet on Sunday mornings to lead a beautiful range of music from different traditions at the 9:00 a.m. Worship Together service. Though desirable, no prior musical experience is necessary – only a commitment to get out of bed early on Sunday mornings!

An Invitation to sing at St. James Cathedral:
If you would like to join one of our choirs listed above please contact Thomas Bell, Director of Music, who would be happy to hear from you.

Thomas Bell may be contacted here: tbell@stjamescathedral.ca

Follow the Cathedral Choir on Facebook