We invite you to enjoy the performances we’ve shared on our YouTube channel—it’s a great opportunity to revisit the beautiful music we’ve experienced together!
Our Organ Recitals series (Tuesdays) features some of the region’s finest organists and the powerful sounds of St. James Cathedral’s 5,000 organ pipes.
Our Early Music at St. James (on selected Thursdays) is a concert series initiative to present performances on historical instruments. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear soloists and small ensembles perform historical repertoire right in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Free events. RSVP on Eventbrite here.
All concerts begin at 1:00 pm and last about 40 minutes.
Admission is free, and donations are welcome to support the artists and Music at St. James. All are welcome!
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Mark your calendars for the following recitals:
December:
Dec. 2: Jean-Paul Feo plays music for Advent (St. James Cathedral)
Dec. 9: Thomas Bell The organ at St. James Cathedral: a history and demonstration
Dec. 13 at 7:30pm: Messiah by G. F. Handel. Get tickets here
Dec. 16: Cadence Brassard (Toronto)
Dec. 19 at 7:30pm: La Nativité du Seigneur by Olivier Messiaen played by Rashaan Allwood.
Nine musical meditations on the birth of Jesus interspersed with poems and Bible readings. La Nativité is of the most startlingly original works ever created for the organ. Olivier Messiaen, a deeply devout musician, conceived a series of nine musical tableaux which reflect not only upon the actual events of the nativity – the shepherds, the wise men – but the profound implications of these events for us today. The organ portrays the story in music which ranges from quiet, timeless introspection to shattering excitement. Biblical readings and poems by George Herbert, W.H. Auden, Malcolm Guite, Tennyson, and others will intersperse the musical reflections. It’s a free concert, with a free-will collection strongly advised.
Our Organ Recitals will resume on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
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Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:30pm. Regular & Patron tickets available. Get yours now.
Back by popular demand and a cherished tradition of the season, St. James Cathedral is delighted to present Handel’s Messiah — a timeless masterpiece that has captivated our hearts for centuries.
Featuring the talented Choirs of St. James Cathedral and Trinity College U of T, along with the Orchestra of St. James Cathedral and four outstanding soloists, this much-loved performance returns to uplift and inspire during the Christmas season!
We look forward to your good company as we journey together from the warmth of the opening “Comfort Ye”, through the majestic “Hallelujah” Chorus, to the triumphant “Amen.”
Experience an unforgettable evening of soaring choruses and sublime solos in this true highlight of the season to capture our hearts and imagination. Don’t miss this stunning performance of Handel’s timeless masterpiece, Messiah. It will be a night to remember!
Performers:
Thomas Bell, Conductor
Soprano: Maeve Palmer
Mezzo-Soprano: Hillary Tufford
Tenor: Bud Roach
Baritone: Clarence Frazer
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Tickets:
Get your official tickets for Messiah concert here
Last year’s performance was sold out. We strongly encourage you to purchase tickets in good time. See ticket information below.
Early Bird: $40 (Until November 1, 2025)
Regular: $45 (From November 2, 2025)
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Doors open: 6:15pm
Seating: First-come, first-served.
Messiah Concert: 7:30pm to 9:30pm
Messiah (special): Handel composed Messiah in just 24 days, and its popularity has never waned since its first performance in 1742. We shall present a slightly abridged version concluding at 9:30pm.
Please note: There is limited street parking along Church St. Please see parking options near the Cathedral.
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Patron packages:
$300 (2 tickets, reserved seating, names in the program, Wine & Cheese reception (6:00pm-7:00pm in Snell Hall – 65 Church Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2E9 before the concert). A charitable tax receipt of $170 will be issued in January.
$150 (1 ticket, reserved seating, name in the program, Wine & Cheese reception (6:00pm-7:00pm in Snell Hall – 65 Church Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2E9 before the concert). A charitable tax receipt of $85 will be issued in January.
To become a Patron, please contact bookkeeper@stjamescathedral.ca or call (416)364-7865 Ext. 258
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Questions? Email us at info@stjamescathedral.ca or call (416)364-7865.
Unable to attend this event? Make a donation here