Heart of the City Festival at St. James’ 2026

Friday, October 30, 5:30 pm: Tour of Historic St. James’ Anglican Church

St. James’ Anglican Church is an exotic jewel of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. In the midst of the area’s notorious poverty, its endurance, magnificent architecture and history of service make it a symbol of hope” (The Canadian Encyclopedia). Designed in 1935 by Adrian Gilbert Scott, a member of the architecturally renowned Scott family of England, the church is an octagon rising from a Greek Cross plan. Massive walls, tipped with Art Deco-influenced neo-Gothic, step up like a ziggurat to a pyramid belfry. Join PJ Janson for a guided tour of the historic St. James’ Anglican Church to discover the fascinating architecture and beauty of this unique building, which famed Canadian architect Arthur Erickson has called the ‘best building in the city.’ Advance booking is not required to attend.

Friday, October 30, 6:30 pm: The Belfry of St. James’ Anglican Church

The bells of St. James’ were cast in 1936 at Taylor’s of Loughborough in Leicestershire, England. Shipped through the Panama Canal, they were installed at St. James’ and first rung on Christmas Eve in 1937. Since then, their sound has been part of daily life in the neighbourhood. Now here is your chance to discover where that sound comes from. Climb the spiral staircase to the church’s steeple and into the historic belfry to see the bells up close, and have an opportunity to play them yourself!  Join tour guide PJ Janson for an unforgettable experience in the belfry as we bring to life the words of Canadian poet and song writer Leonard Cohen: “Ring the bells that still can ring, Forget your perfect offering, There is a crack in everything, That’s how the light gets in!” Advance booking is not required to attend.

Sunday, November 1, 12:00 pm: Introduction to the Pipe Organ

How does a pipe organ actually work? What do all those pipes, keyboards, pedals and stops do? And how can one instrument produce everything from the smallest whisper to a sound that can fill the whole church? Come and discover the historic pipe organ at St. James’ up close. Director of Music Abraham Ross will take you behind the music to demystify how this remarkable instrument works and demonstrate the extraordinary range of sounds it can produce, from delicate flutes and quiet whispers to the great, powerful sound of the full organ. Whether you know nothing about pipe organs, play another keyboard instrument and are curious to discover this one, or are already an enthusiast, come and explore an instrument that is as fascinating to see as it is to hear. Advance booking is not required to attend.

Wednesday, November 4, 7:30 pm: Behind the Music: An Open Rehearsal with the Vancouver Cantata Singers

What does it take to turn a page of music into a unified choral sound? Join the Vancouver Cantata Singers and Artistic Director Paula Kremer for a rare opportunity to experience the choir at work. Hear the singers rehearse repertoire for their upcoming concert and discover how individual voices become one ensemble through listening, blend, balance, rhythm and interpretation. With commentary from Paula Kremer, this informal open rehearsal offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process of one of Vancouver’s longstanding choral ensembles. Come for the music, stay for the discovery, and experience what happens before the applause. Advance booking is not required to attend.

Thursday, November 5, 6:30 pm: Solemn Requiem for All Souls

At this solemn service, we remember all who have died. We gather in remembrance, acknowledging the grief of loss while making space for reflection, hope and comfort. Led by Dr. Abraham Ross, St. James’ High Mass Choir will sing the Officium Defunctorum (1604) of Tomas Luis de Victoria, a seldom-heard yet stunning musical setting for choir in six parts. The Requiem brings together the voices of the choir in music that has long given expression to mourning and memory, providing comfort in the solace of music. Everyone is welcome to join us for this service of remembrance and solace. Advance booking is not required to attend.