We are delighted to be presenting James Kennerley in concert at St. John’s on Sunday, October 30, at 5:00 p.m. James is one of the finest young organists of today, and this is a recital not to be missed. There will be a big screen to enable the audience to see the organ console, usually hidden from view, and a reception, to which all are warmly invited to meet James, will follow the recital.

Hailed as “a great organist” displaying “phenomenal technique and sheer musicality” (Bloomberg News), James Kennerley is a multi-faceted musician, working as a conductor, keyboardist, singer, and educator. 

Mr. Kennerley was a prizewinner at the 2008 Albert Schweitzer International Organ Competition, and a finalist at the inaugural (2013) Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition. In addition to solo concerts in the US and Europe, Mr. Kennerley frequently collaborates with groups such as the Voices of Ascension, New York City Master Chorale, and Greenwich Choral Society. He has studied the organ with David Sanger, Thomas Trotter and McNeil Robinson, and holds the Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists diploma. He has given concerts at Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Museum, Washington National Cathedral, The Frick Collection, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the Royal Albert Hall, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, London, and many other major organ venues in the USA and Europe. A renowned specialist in the art of improvisation, Mr. Kennerley is frequently in demand as a performer and educator in this regard. He studied improvisation with Robert Levin, McNeil Robinson, and Noam Sivan at the Juilliard School.

A native of the United Kingdom, Mr. Kennerley is Organist and Choirmaster at Saint Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church, New York City, where he directs the professional choir and coordinates the church’s extensive concert series. From 2008 he held a similar position at “Smoky Mary’s”, the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Times Square.