O Sing Unto the Lord a New Song
Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.
The Choir of St James Cathedral
Andrew Megill, Conductor-in-Residence
To inaugurate the 2026-27 season, the Cathedral Choir offers a concert exploring the outpouring of creativity at the turbulent beginning of Anglicanism. The program begins with maverick medieval composer John Dunstaple who catapulted Western music into the Renaissance with his pioneering embrace of imperfect consonance. We hear the English polyphony blossom through the 15th and early 16th-centuries, marked by rich textures, sonorous harmonies, and sumptuous counterpoint.
At the start of the English Reformation, Thomas Cranmer’s Book of Common Prayer mandated that all church music must be sung in English to crisp, clear, and concise music. Composers sought to balance these parameters with their polyphonic inheritance. Yet these same composers often lived double-lives, writing music in Latin for clandestine Catholic worship.
Under Queen Elizabeth I, the Anglican consensus via media, or the middle way, began to take hold. Composers embraced the English language whole-heartedly, and a new dramatic form of storytelling called the verse anthem emerged.
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 at ROW Parking Garage, 50 E Ohio Street, for $15 up to 18 hours. Parking is also available at Ohio Ontario Self Park, 33 W Ontario, for $11 up to 18 hours daily. Get a reduced-rate parking voucher from the St. James Commons reception desk.