There is much to be thankful for this year. Amidst everything going on, music still brings us together and reminds us to be grateful for the many blessings we share. Though we "gather together" virtually, we are together in spirit.

Play the entire list HERE.

or sample each piece in the player below.

​Alex Benestelli talks with organ builder, Manuel Rosales, during a recent trip to Los Angeles. Visits included recent Rosales organ consoles at St. Thomas' of Canterbury, Long Beach, St. Paul the Apostle, Westwood, St. James' in-the-City, and First Church of Christ, Scientist in Pasadena.
The organ console, the place where the organist sits at the keyboards, is highly customizable. Rosales described the important ideas to consider, including thoughts on the draw-knobs, keyboards, digital display, piston layout, and even the selection of wood.
Using feedback from this visit, the Rosales/Parsons team will do draft drawings of our new organ console, and we will work together to refine our ideas into a final concept.

Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Words: George Herbert (1595-1633)

To listen to the full Five Mystical Songs click HERE.

This week we celebrate Veterans Day. We give thanks for all those who have served our country and those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. Enjoy these musical reflections on our national life with particular thanks to our veterans.

Play all the music HERE

Or sample each piece in the player below.

​I waited for the Lord, he inclined unto me,
he heard my complaint.
O blest are they that hope and trust in him.

Text: Psalm 40:1, 5a
Music: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

This week we remember All Souls' Day, the commemoration of all faithful departed. Some of the most beautiful choral music has been written for the Requiem Mass, the traditional way to remember the dead. This playlist contains two famous works of the 20th century by Gabriel Faure and Maurice Durufle.

Play all the music HERE

​Or sample the works in the player below.

This week marks the important Feast of All Saints' in the life of the church when we honor the saints of God known to us and those unknown. At the same time, we acknowledge our own call to live as saints, following those good examples, and loving God and our neighbors.

​To play all of the music click HERE

Or sample parts of the music in the player below.

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. Compline can be found on page 127 in the Book of Common Prayer HERE.

This week's playlist is dedicated to Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd." The pastoral sounds of organ and choral music remind us of the gentle, guiding nature of God. Enjoy this music by JS Bach, John Rutter, Will Todd, and others.

​To play all of the music click HERE

Or sample parts of the music in the player below.

The St. James and St. Bartholomew's music ministries combined talents to provide this Evensong Service. (There is approximately 48 seconds of lead time at the beginning of the video, but you can "fast forward.")

This week St. James' Rector, The Rev'd Dr. Mark Hargreaves, joined Music Director, Alex Benestelli, to talk about the new organ. Fr. Mark's vision for a vibrant arts community in La Jolla has been a key inspiration for our organ project. Fr. Mark talks about the role the new organ will play in the parish, how important it is for the community to be involved, and what he is looking forward to most about the new instrument.
As the leader of the parish, Fr. Mark has been instrumental in gathering the community together around this project, forming a consensus among the parish leaders, and setting a tone of gratitude and joy throughout this process.
Thank you for following our progress. As always, you are invited to join us in this campaign by visiting StJamesOrgan.com and clicking the yellow Donate Now button at the top of the page. We appreciate your generosity!

October 4th marks the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of all living creatures. We celebrate every year by blessing all the animals in our lives. This year, whether virtual or in person, we invite you to think about all the blessings these animals have brought to us.

To play all of the music click HERE

Or sample parts of the music in the player below.

Welcome to this new video series of previously recorded hymns, psalms, and anthems. Music Director Alex Benestelli talks about some of the musical selections featured in our online services. Learn, listen, and enjoy these musical offerings from the Choir of St. James by-the-Sea.

This week we explore the rich heritage of American folk hymns. Simple in their origin, some of the most beautiful tunes come from our own country. In our two centuries, Americans have developed a unique voice of sacred music and singing.

Play all the music HERE

or sample parts of it in the player below