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Concert Series
As the vision of those that conceived our church over 200 year ago intersects with the present, we not only look back at the significance of St James’ in our ever-changing and expanding city, but form a vision for the future of our church. St James’ is not only a place of worship but a hugely important centre for the arts. Music has always been central to life at St James’, and our wide-ranging music ministry has been integral and vital to the cultural life of Sydney and far beyond.
Visions and visionaries are woven through our 2020 concert series, from early music showcasing the timeless music of the Abbess Hildegard von Bingen, to composers of the present day whose vision and legacy will be with us for generations to come. We have commissioned eminent British composer Gabriel Jackson to compose a new orchestral mass setting to mark the bicentenary of St James’, and we continue to champion our own composers here at St James’, with a fine legacy already in place.
Our vision for music at St James’ is rich and diverse, always passionate, sublime and soul stirring and to the highest standard—music that transcends time and that propels us to a greater future. I look forward to sharing this year’s concert series with you as we prepare for the next 200 years of music and artistic vision at St James’.
ReVisions
Saturday 28 March, 5:00pm
Whether striving for perfection, paying homage, simplifying, expanding or simply to save time, there could be many reasons for a composer to rethink and reuse not only their own works but those of others. Bach and Handel were renowned for reworking their own materials to meet the next deadline, reaching new heights of inspiration. This concert, given by The Choir of St James’ together with BachBand@St James’, centres around
two such Baroque gems.
Repertoire to include:
Handel – Funeral Anthem for Queen Caroline, HWV 264 ‘The Ways of Zion do Mourn’
Bach – Mass in G major, BWV 236
Elgar – Lux Aeterna
Barber – Agnus Dei
Tickets ($50/$45) can be purchased at the door or here on this website.
Celestial Visions
Saturday 30 May, 5:00pm
Based on the writings and music of one of the greatest of visionaries, German Abbess Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179), The Choir of St James’ presents a concert that includes Hildegard’s own music as well as settings of her texts by composers up to the present day.
Tickets ($50/$45) can be purchased at the door or here on this website.
Visions of Home
Saturday 25 July, 5:00pm
In their 75th year and on their first visit ‘down under’, we are delighted to welcome the National Youth Choir of Great Britain to St James’ on our Patronal Festival, where they will be presenting a concert exploring the theme of national identity.
Repertoire to include:
Works by Paul Stanhope, Ben Parry (the choir’s current director), and a new NYCGB commission by Thea Musgrave.
Tickets ($50/$45) can be purchased at the door or here on this website.
Visions – Past, Present & Future
Saturday 26 September, 5:00pm
The Choir and Orchestra of St James’ present the world premiere concert performance of a new orchestral mass setting by eminent British composer Gabriel Jackson, commissioned by our parishioners to celebrate the bicentenary of St James’.
The concert will also include a performance of the sublime Requiem by Gabriel Fauré scored for soloists, choir and chamber orchestra and Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine.
Tickets ($50/$45) can be purchased at the door or here on this website.
Visions of Sugar Plums
Saturday 12 December, 5:00pm
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
A fun-filled evening of Christmas cheer inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s poem A Visit from St Nicholas, with a selection of old and new carols performed by the highly versatile Choir of St James’.
Tickets ($50/$45) can be purchased at the door or here on this website.
Bookings
Tickets for concerts can be obtained in advance from the shop on this website or through the St James’ Parish Office. The Parish Office is open Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursday from 9:00am until 5:00pm at Level 1, 169-171 Phillip Street, Sydney. Ph. (02) 8227 1300.
Tickets are also available to purchase at the door on the night. Doors open at 4:15pm.
