The Choir of St James’, one of Australia’s oldest musical establishments, can trace its lineage back to the early years of the parish. Indeed, some of its early members were convicts. For much of its almost two hundred years of ministry, the choir has been regarded as one of Australia’s foremost Anglican choirs. This has continued to the present day, where uniquely in Sydney, the choir consists of around a dozen semi-professional adult singers.The backbone of the choir’s work is the weekly services of Choral Eucharist and Choral Evensong (music list). It is also particularly known for its presentation of three Orchestral Masses in January each year.

The choir has recorded three CDs and broadcasts regularly on ABC Radio, both in its own right as well as with leading ensembles such as Australian Baroque Brass.In 2009, the choir performed a sell-out of performance of Handel’s Messiah which was podcast on Radio National.

More recently, the choir has performed with the Tallis Scholars Summer School (dir.Peter Phillips), toured the Southern Highlands, giving concerts in Bundanoon, Bowral and Goulburn and presented a recital at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Future plans include new recordings, commissions of new works, collaboration with other ensembles, and concert tours around Australia and overseas.

Concert details

 

“I always want to hear the Choir of St James’ – not only

because it lifts my heart with its perfect singing, but also because,

in my opinion, it raises the level of music-making in Sydney to the

heights reached by the King’s College Cambridge choir.”

 - Tony Legge, Assistant Music Director, Opera Australia