(Free) Music at St. James

Organ Recital Series on Tuesdays at 1:00pm features some of the region’s finest organists and the powerful sounds of St. James Cathedral’s 5,000 organ pipes.

Early Music on selected Thursdays at 1:00pm: It features performances on historical instruments in the intimate and superb acoustics of St. James’ St. George Chapel.

Admission is free. Donations are welcome.

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.

Invite your family and friends! All are welcome.

Admission is free and donations are encouraged to support Music at St. James Cathedral.

Our Organ Recitals will resume on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.