Music is a vibrant part of parish life at St. James by-the-Sea under the leadership of our Music Director, Alex Benestelli. Contact him HERE. Read his bio HERE. We welcome you to listen, participate, reflect and find inspiration in the music of St. James.
The Choirs of St. James
The Parish Choir
The Choir of St. James by-the-Sea is renowned for its musical excellence, and is open to adults old and young, with previous choral experience desirable. Repertoire is drawn largely from the Anglican tradition, encompassing music from the sixteenth century to the present day. The choir sings each Sunday for the 10:00 am Eucharist and offers regular services of Choral Evensong with scheduled weekly rehearsals (Sept.-May).
The Schola Cantorum
St. James’ eight-voice core of staff singers form the Schola Cantorum, a small ensemble that sings for choral services that require smaller forces. You can hear the Schola Cantorum at Compline-by-Candlelight or services held in St. Mary’s Chapel, such as An Advent Procession and Choral Evensong.
The Festival Choir
The 50-voice Festival Choir is open to all members of the community who enjoy singing and commit to a set number of rehearsals prior to A Festival of Lessons and Carols, an annual Christmas tradition with organ and brass at St. James.
For more information about the Choirs of St. James by-the-Sea or to schedule an audition, please contact Alex Benestelli, Director of Music, at [email protected] or 858-459-3421 x109.
Services with Music
Choral Eucharist is the principal celebration of the church. The choir leads worship every Sunday morning at 10:00 am with the singing of hymns, psalms, and anthems. Together with the clergy and congregation, we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, commonly called the Mass. Choral offerings at the mass range from early Renaissance Polyphony to the modern day, focusing strongly on our Anglican heritage.
Choral Evensong in an Anglican tradition is a magnificent act of choral worship. Drawn almost entirely from the Bible, its purpose is to proclaim the wonderful works of God and evoke from the worshiper a response of praise, penitence, and prayer. Evensong is offered daily in many churches and cathedrals around the world.
Compline-by-Candlelight, drawn from the most contemplative of the monastic offices begun in the middle ages, this service offers music from Gregorian Chant and early polyphony to the contemporary music of modern mystics. It is offered in the St. James Church several Sundays a year.