Calendar
Oct
26
Mon
2026
Oct 26 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Base on the novella by Robert Louis Stevenson and starring John Barrymore. Accompanied live by organist Edward Norman on the historic Wurlitzer organ.
Oct
30
Fri
2026
Oct 30 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Organists Maria Gajraj and Alexander Weimann
Works including:
Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565 – J. S. Bach
Dance of the Kinghts – Sergei Prokofiev
- Andantino
- Tempo di Marcia / Maestoso
Livre du Saint-Sacrement – Olivier Messiaen
- Offrande
- Alleluia final
Maria Gajraj completed her Doctoral studies at McGill University with Isabelle Demeres, was awarded First-Place in the RCCO Canadian National Organ Competition (2025) and was named in CBC’s Top 30 Classical Musicans under 30. She performs internationally at venues like Salle Bourgie, Maison Symphonique (Montreal), and the Orgelpark (Amsterdam) and in series such as Cal Performances (USA) and Bergen Orgelsommer (Norway). She is the Director of Music at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Vancouver.
Alexander Weimann is one of the most sought-after ensemble directors, soloists, and chamber music partners of his generation. After traveling the world with ensembles like Tragicomedia, Cantus Cölln, Freiburger Barock Orchester, Gesualdo Consort and Tafelmusik, he now focuses on his activities as Music Director of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra in Vancouver and the Seattle Baroque Orchestra. He worked for several years as a vocal coach at the Université de Montréal and harpsichord teacher at McGill, and now teaches harpsichord, basso continuo and Early Music Ensemble at the UBC School of Music.
TOUR OF ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN CHURCH
St James Anglican Church is an exotic jewel of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. In the midst of the area’s notorious poverty, its endurance, magnificent architecture and history of service make it a symbol of hope” (The Canadian Encyclopedia). Designed in 1935 by Adrian Gilbert Scott, a member of the architecturally renowned Scott family of England, the church is an octagon rising from a Greek Cross plan. Massive walls, tipped with Art Deco-influenced neo-Gothic, step up like a ziggurat to a pyramid belfry. Join PJ Janson for a guided tour of the historic St James’ Anglican Church to discover the fascinating architecture and beauty of this unique building, which famed Canadian architect Arthur Erickson has called the ‘best building in the city.’
THE BELFRY OF ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN CHURCH
The bells of St James’ were cast in 1936 at Taylor’s of Loughborough in Leicestershire, England. Shipped through the Panama Canal, they were installed at St James’ and first rung on Christmas Eve in 1937. Since then, their sound has been part of daily life in the neighbourhood. Now here is your chance to discover where that sound comes from. Climb the spiral staircase to the church’s steeple and into the historic belfry to see the bells up close, and have an opportunity to play them yourself ! Join tour guide PJ Janson for an unforgettable experience in the belfry as we bring to life the words of Canadian poet and song writer Leonard Cohen : “Ring the bells that still can ring, Forget your perfect offering, There is a crack in everything, That’s how the light gets in !”
Oct 30 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
The King of Instruments Meets the Ghosts, Ghouls
& Unforgettable Sounds of Halloween!
Bach meets Top Gun. Vierne meets Unsolved Mysteries. And the pipe organ does things you may never have imagined.
Join Organ Canada (RCCO) Vancouver Centre for a spectacular evening of spooky music, virtuosic playing, unexpected twists, and musical surprises as we celebrate the 20th Annual Halloween Concert!
This year’s programme ranges from the great masters of the organ to music inspired by the screen, including:
Denis Bédard: Introduction et Toccata (from Trois Esquisses)
J. S. Bach: Fugue in G minor, BWV 578
Diderik Buxtehude: Prelude in G minor, BuxWV 149
J. S. Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
Louis Vierne: Finale (from Symphony No 2)
Edvard Grieg: Elfin Dance and March of the Dwarfs (from Peer Gynt Suite)
Spooky TV Themes Medley: Outer Limits / Unsolved Mysteries
And then things take a wonderfully unexpected turn.
Retired college music instructor Gilles Parenteau, a featured performer at previous Vancouver Halloween organ concerts, returns with his extraordinary fusion of pipe organ, orchestral, and percussion sounds. Pushing the boundaries of what the pipe organ can do, Gilles will perform the iconic Top Gun theme as well as Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand,”performed live using his innovative approach to the instrument.
Gilles’ unique sound is the result of years of experimentation, bringing the timeless power of the pipe organ together with modern sound technology to create a thrilling bridge between the classical and contemporary worlds. His recent performances have included appearances with the Calgary Symphony at Jack Singer Concert Hall in 2024 and at Prague Castle in 2025 for the Lobkowicz Royal Family.
Featuring performances by Maria Gajraj, Isaac Howie, Angela Kraft Cross, Jayden Leung, Matthew Li, Angelique Po, Huiyuan (Cindy) Ma, Michael Park, and Gilles Parenteau, this year’s concert promises an evening where Bach shares the stage with Top Gun, Vierne meets Unsolved Mysteries, and the mighty pipe organ becomes an instrument of both tradition and imagination.
Costumes encouraged. Surprises expected.
Come celebrate two decades of Vancouver’s annual Halloween organ tradition, and discover just how spooky, spectacular and surprising the King of Instruments can be!
Admission
Admission is by donation. Registration is free, and as seating is limited we recommend reserving your spot in advance.
Registered guests will be admitted first. Reservations are held until 15 minutes before the concert, after which admission is subject to availability.
Reserve your spot now
Nov
1
Sun
2026
INTRODUCTION TO THE PIPE ORGAN
How does a pipe organ actually work? What do all those pipes, keyboards, pedals and stops do? And how can one instrument produce everything from the smallest whisper to a sound that can fill the whole church? Come and discover the historic pipe organ at St James’ up close. Director of Music Abraham Ross will take you behind the music to demystify how this remarkable instrument works and demonstrate the extraordinary range of sounds it can produce, from delicate flutes and quiet whispers to the great, powerful sound of the full organ. Whether you know nothing about pipe organs, play another keyboard instrument and are curious to discover this one, or are already an enthusiast, come and explore an instrument that is as fascinating to see as it is to hear.
Nov
4
Wed
2026
Nov 4 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
BEHIND THE MUSIC : AN OPEN REHEARSAL WITH THE VANCOUVER CANTATA SINGERS
What does it take to turn a page of music into a unified choral sound? Join the Vancouver Cantata Singers and Artistic Director Paula Kremer for a rare opportunity to experience the choir at work. Hear the singers rehearse repertoire for their upcoming concert and discover how individual voices become one ensemble through listening, blend, balance, rhythm and interpretation. With commentary from Paula Kremer, this informal open rehearsal offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process of one of Vancouver’s longstanding choral ensembles. Come for the music, stay for the discovery, and experience what happens before the applause.
Nov
5
Thu
2026
SOLEMN REQUIEM FOR ALL SOULS
At this solemn service, we remember all who have died. We gather in remembrance, acknowledging the grief of loss while making space for reflection, hope and comfort. Led by Dr. Abraham Ross, St. James’ High Mass Choir will sing the Officium Defunctorum (1604) of Tomas Luis de Victoria, a seldom-heard yet stunning musical setting for choir in six parts. The Requiem brings together the voices of the choir in music that has long given expression to mourning and memory, providing comfort in the solace of music. Everyone is welcome to join us for this service of remembrance and solace.
