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!
Choral Music Lists for sung services are below:
January – February – March
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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
Organ Recitals are held on Tuesdays at 1:00pm throughout the month. We are delighted to present many of the city’s finest performers playing a wide range of repertoire. The schedule of our recital series can be found here. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Details of the cathedral organ, a four-manual instrument dating from 1863 and consisting of 87 ranks and 5105 pipes, may be found here.
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March 12, 19 & 26 from 1:15pm-2:00pm: Choral Meditations for Lent
Join us for three lunchtime concerts of sacred music and reflection sung by members of the Cathedral Choir and friends. Each 45-minute concert features a centerpiece work of 15th–16th century polyphony on Lenten themes, highlighting lesser-known English and European composers, alongside shorter motets and thematic poetry readings. These meditations offer a time of repose and spiritual reflection, with rare early music gems.
Thursday, March 12, 2026 – “Mercy” – Featuring William Byrd: Infelix ego
Thursday, March 19, 2026 – “Mary” – Featuring Robert Fayrfax: Maria plena virtute
Thursday, March 26, 2026 – “At the Cross” – Featuring John Browne: Stabat mater
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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