About James Walker

A nationally-​recognized conductor and concert organist, James Walker entertains and enlightens audiences throughout the United States, and his solo recitals are broadcast on National Public Radio. Winner of the prestigious Mader National Organ-​Playing Competition in 1986, he is a featured soloist at Bach festivals and regional and national music conventions. Currently James is Director of Music at All Saints Church, Pasadena, California.

After two years of recording sessions, the Bill Cunliffe CD launches

By |2022-03-09T16:18:55-08:00October 5th, 2008|News, Program Notes, Timeline All Saints|

In early 1998, I was looking for a spiritual home in Los Angeles. A friend, actor Steve Rowe, told me about a very special place, All Saints Episcopal Church, in Pasadena. Their motto is, “Whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith, there is a place here for you.” That >

At All Saints’ 125th Anniversary Concert

By |2017-06-09T13:36:29-07:00June 1st, 2008|Timeline All Saints|

Jon Bailey and I are friends dating back to the early years of GALAS (Gays and Lesbians All Saints) in the mid-1980's. On the music faculty of Pomona College for many years, he approached me in the early 21st century about composing some pieces for the All Saints Choirs. Coventry Choir premiered his Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, and we talked about his writing a longer work. The 125th anniversary of the founding of All Saints was coming up in a couple years, and I suggested that might be a wonderful occasion for a new work. Who would write the text? For such a momentous occasion, Anne Peterson immediately came to mind. Many meetings later, a text was provided, and Jon composed this wonderful work.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural Festival of Choirs Concert

By |2017-06-09T13:34:41-07:00January 27th, 2008|Timeline All Saints|

This was an inspiring event, requiring huge amounts of planning and coordination. It was also one of the most successful collaborations with two large ministries at All Saints Church, as the Peace and Justice ministry — headed by Lori Kizzia — took on the major aspects of coordinating, leaving the music planning to the musicians! It was wonderful to have the diversity represented in the 6 choirs shine forth in the All Saints Church chancel.

James Walker’s sabbatical takes him to Peru

By |2022-03-09T16:18:55-08:00May 7th, 2007|News, Timeline All Saints|

Sabbatical. I need one. Dealing with the complexities of all All Saints — trying to hold it all together — is very challenging work, all the while trying to be a musician.

And that is precisely the focus of my sabbatical: reclaiming my being a musician.

I need to learn some Bach fugues. I’m going to practice >

The Liturgical Impact of Current Theological Discussions

By |2022-03-09T16:18:55-08:00May 6th, 2007|News, Timeline All Saints|

How does the conversation about sacrificial atonement theology in the Anglican Communion impact the selection of music for liturgies at All Saints? We are in this adventure together, and I believe we can worship in this creative tension, with understanding.

Go to the limits of your longing …

By |2016-01-16T18:06:27-08:00January 25th, 2007|Quotes|

God speaks to each of us as he makes us,
then walks with us silently out of the night.

These are the words we dimly hear:

You, sent out beyond your recall,
go to the limits of your longing.
Embody me.

Flare up like a flame
and make big shadows I can move in.

Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep >

Comments Off on Go to the limits of your longing …
Go to Top