Bach Cantata Vespers

Fall 2022 Vespers at St. James …
We reinvigorated the St. James Vespers tradition with a service on Sunday, November 13th, 2022 at 5:00pm. This Vespers service highlighted and celebrated the Reformation with instrumental, vocal, and organ music.

Bach Vespers Service on Sunday, November 13th, 2022 at 5:00pm.
“We are excited to return to our Vespers Ministry on the second Sunday of November. As we prepare to resume this beautiful tradition, we are looking at refreshing and reimagining it as well. For me, this means we must start with the foundation: the Vespers liturgy itself. This service will focus on highlighting the structural components of the liturgy, where and when they come from, and how they came to be a part of this centuries-old tradition. The ancient roots of this service will be evident in the 3rd Century Hymn ‘Joyous Light of Glory’, and a choral realization of a chant setting of the canticle, ‘Magnificat’ by Charles Wood. Tying into our fall Stewardship theme, the service will feature Paul Bouman’s beautiful anthem, ‘It Is a Good Thing to Give Thanks’. Please join us!”
–Colin Stave, Director of Music Ministry

Summer 2023 Bach Cantata Vespers …

We hope that you enjoyed our Bach Cantata Vespers service on Sunday, June 11th, 2023 at 5:00pm. The service featured Bach’s charming Cantata 112 “Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt” (The Lord is my faithful Shepherd). The St. James Bach Choir was joined by soloists and instrumentalists. Our thanks to our Director of Music Ministry Colin Stave for his guidance and direction. Please join us for our next beautiful service with a reception to follow in Pioneer Chapel.

Spring 2024 Bach Cantata Vespers …

Thanks to all who attended our Bach Cantata Vespers service on Sunday, April 28th, 2024 at 5:00pm. The St. James Choir, guest singers, soloists, organ, and orchestra presented Bach’s “Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats” BWV 42. The service was followed by a reception in Pioneer Chapel.

Fall 2024 Bach Cantata Vespers …

We hope that you enjoyed our Choral Vespers service on Sunday, December 1st, 2024 at 5:00pm. The centerpiece of the service featured Bach’s Cantata 62, “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” which was composed for that same Sunday, 300 years ago. Premiered on December 3rd in 1724, that cantata proclaimed the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and highlighted the hymn and text written by Martin Luther, himself.

Please join us again in 2025 …

We look forward to seeing you at our next Cantata!

Spring 2025 Bach Cantata Vespers …

Please join us again at 5:00pm on Sunday, May 25th, 2025 when we will present our next Bach Choral Vespers Cantata with the St. James Choir, soloists, and orchestra. More details will follow over the coming months.

St. James Lutheran Church (at the corner of SW Park Blocks and Jefferson)
1315 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97201

For more information: call the Church Office at 503-227-2439.