Choral Evensong for Advent
Sunday, December 6 at 4 p.m.
The Choir of St James Cathedral
Nico Tjoelker, Conductor
Advent is a season of waiting and preparation, anticipating both the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas and the fulfillment of God’s promises at the end of time. In a season often marked by activity and distraction, Choral Evensong offers an opportunity for quiet reflection, prayer, and attentive listening.
The Cathedral Choir presents music that gives voice to Advent’s themes of expectation, hope, and watchfulness. Judith Weir’s Drop down, ye heavens opens with a yearning plea for the coming of the Savior, while John Naylor’s beloved anthem Vox dicentis (“The voice of one crying in the wilderness”) evokes the prophetic call of John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord. The service also includes the richly expressive Truro Canticles of Philip Stopford and the elegant Preces and Responses of Richard Ayleward Smith, joining ancient words of worship to music of beauty and devotion.
As scripture, prayer, and song are woven together in the cathedral’s evening liturgy, all are invited to enter the spirit of Advent: watching, waiting, and preparing their hearts for the coming of Christ.
Choral repertoire:
Weir - Drop down, ye heavens
Smith - Preces & Responses (5 voices)
Stopford - Truro Canticles
Naylor - Vox dicentis
A festive reception will follow in Kyle’s Place.
Plan your visit
When you visit St. James Cathedral, expect to receive a warm welcome! Whether you are a committed follower of Christ, a first-time visitor who is joining a friend, or fall somewhere in between, you're not just welcome, you belong.
It is not uncommon for people to either dress casually or formally when visiting the Cathedral. Our priority is that you to feel comfortable. Children are always welcome at St. James. There is an open space to the front right of the pews for children to play under your supervision and a changing station for parents of our youngest members under the church in the restrooms.
The cathedral is accessible to people with limited mobility. An access ramp is located at the west end of the building, 65 E. Huron St.
Map & Parking
We are conveniently located 2 blocks from the red line. Exit at Chicago Avenue, then south two blocks to the corner of Wabash and Huron.
We are one block west from the 3, 10, 26, 146, 147, and 151 bus lines on Michigan Avenue. Exit at Superior or Erie if southbound, exit at Huron if northbound.
Reduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at ROW Parking Garage, 50 E Ohio Street, for $2 up to 6 hours. Parking is also available at Ohio Ontario Self Park, 33 W Ontario, for $10 up to 18 hours daily. Get a reduced-rate parking voucher from the St. James Commons reception desk.