James Walker

At the Chorale: debut

Currently: Director of Music and Organist–Choirmaster at All Saints Episcopal Church, Pasadena, since 1991. James conducts the church’s two 50-voice adult choirs, co-directs the 80-voice youth choir, and administers and produces an ambitious, varied program of church literature, ranging from gospel, jazz and world music to traditional full-scale orchestral/choral works.

Conducting appearances: with All Saints’ Coventry Choir — four tours to both coasts, the 1996 Western Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association and the 2004 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists

Broadcasts: Solo organ recitals on NPR

Awards: winner of the Mader National Organ-Playing Competition in 1986, Masterclass Conductor for the 1998 Oregon Bach Festival, studying with Helmuth Rilling

Organist appearances: Carmel Bach Festival, Los Angeles Bach Festival, and Regional and National Conventions of the American Guild of Organists

Previous assignments: College Organist and Instructor of Organ at Occidental College in Los Angeles, 1981–2004

photo by Bill Youngblood