Music aspires to express what is otherwise inexpressible. For this reason, music is integral to our liturgies at St James’. We draw on the rich musical heritage of the Western Church, from its roots in plainsong to the finest music of our time.

At the 10.30 am High Mass and at special liturgies throughout the year, a choir of volunteers with a core of professionals sings the ordinary and a motet at communion. Propers are chanted in plainchant settings. In addition to chant, this choir’s repertoire includes mass settings and motets drawn from the best of the Western Church: Palestrina, Tallis, Byrd, Gabrieli, Faure, Stanford, Willan, Howells, Duruflé and many others. St James’ is one of the few places in western Canada where this glorious music may be heard throughout the year in its traditional liturgical context, as it was meant to be heard.

The High Mass Choir leads the gathered faithful in the worship of God through music and is the ancilla of the transcendent experience inherent in our worship. The liturgies at St James’ engage the senses, and we are blessed with a worship space which is not only visually inspiring, but also acoustically supports the voices of congregation, choir, and organ raised in worship.

For those who wish to enjoy the many spiritual, social, and physical benefits of choral singing, including the opportunity to sing some of the finest choral music ever written, the High Mass Choir rehearses and sings at liturgies from September through the Feast of Corpus Christi (usually early- to mid-June). During the summer months the choir sings on High Feast Days only.

The choir sings most Sunday mornings during that period, on feast days, and occasionally for Choral Evensong on the last Sunday of the month. Women and men of the choir alternate some Sundays, to give time off during the year. Some choral experience is necessary, as is an ability to read music at some level.

If you are the kind of person who likes singing masterpieces of sacred choral music, we have a great opportunity for you. We sing some of the finest choral works in resonant acoustics, in a fitting liturgial context. Interested? Contact the Organist & Choirmaster, Gerald Harder by sending a txt to 604.809.5531 or e-mail musicdirector@stjames.bc.ca