Cathedral Music 2025-26

In addition to their primary role supporting Sunday morning worship at St. James Cathedral, the choir, choristers, and organists present Evensongs, special choral services, and concerts throughout the year. These special events are always free and open to the public and are the perfect opportunity to appreciate great sacred music in our beautiful space.

Choral Evensong with Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 6 at 4 p.m. Choral Evensong with Blessing of the Animals on the plaza

Concert: Out of the ashes

Thursday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. The Cathedral Choir presents a special concert to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the rededication of St. James after Chicago Fire

All Souls Requiem

Sunday, November 2 at 4 p.m. Featuring the Faure Requiem sung by the Cathedral Choir in observance of All Souls Day

Advent Lessons and Carols

Sunday, November 30 at 4 p.m. A Procession with Lessons and Carols on Advent Sunday

Choral Evensong for Advent

Sunday, December 7 at 4 p.m. Choral Evensong for Advent with music from Tudor England

Carols and Cocoa

Sunday December 14 at 4 p.m. A fun, family-friendly Christmas carol sing-along led by our cathedral organists

Nine Lessons and Carols

Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, sung by the St. James Cathedral Choir and Choristers

Choral Evensong for Christmas

Sunday, January 4 at 4 p.m. Choral Evensong for the Christmas Season sung by the Cathedral Choir

Concert: Organ Music of Leo Sowerby

Sunday, January 18 at 2 p.m. Canon Director of Music Stephen Buzard presents a special recital of music by Leo Sowerby

Candlemas Evensong: Ceremony of Carols

Sunday, February 2 at 4 p.m. Choral Evensong for Candlemas with candlelit procession featuring Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols

Choral Evensong: Music of Purcell

Sunday, March 1 at 4 p.m. Choral Evensong with music of Henry Purcell, sung by the Cathedral Choir

Sowerby: Forsaken of Man

Friday March 27 at 7:30 p.m. The Cathedral Choir offers Sowerby's great passion work Forsaken of Man in a special devotional performance.

Dupre: Stations of the Cross

Palm Sunday, March 27 at 4 p.m. A devotional performance of Dupre's Stations of the Cross by Stephen Buzard and Dr. Carol Symes

Seven Last Words

Good Friday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. Choral Meditation on the Seven Last Words from the Cross, sung by the Cathedral Choristers

Choral Evensong at Rockefeller Chapel

Sunday, May 3 at 4 p.m. Choral Evensong at Rockefeller Chapel sung by the Cathedral Choir and Choristers.

Choral Evensong at St. Luke's Evanston

Sunday, June 7 at 4 p.m. Choral Evensong at St. Luke's Evanston, sung by the Cathedral Choir and Choristers.
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