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 5 at 4 p.m. Choral Evensong with Blessing of the Animals
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
Sunday, December 21 at 4 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 with Ceremony of Carols
Sunday, February 1 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 29 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.