ST JAMES’ HIGH MASS CHOIR
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.
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 liturgical context. Interested? Contact the Organist & Choirmaster, Gerald Harder by sending a text to 604.809.5531 or email musicdirector@stjames.bc.ca.
* section lead ‡ choral scholar