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.