MUSIC at ST. luke's 2025-2026

At St. Luke’s, we believe that music can create a beautiful spiritual community. We value the rich musical history of the Anglican tradition, and also the new voices which continue to breathe life into the repertoire; each year we present an array of ancient musical treasures and beloved favorites, alongside recently composed music. Choral music is at the center of our tradition, and is supported by our beautiful 1960 Aeolian-Skinner organ. This season our music will also be enriched by many guest instrumentalists and chamber ensembles as we worship for a time in our Parish Hall. Whether you are a first-time visitor, or a long-time member, we welcome you to be a part of our musical community.

Dr. Joy-Leilani Garbutt, Director of Music

MUSIC CALendar

Download the Season Brochure

 

November 16, 2025, Concert and Evensong

3:15pm - Mezzo Jessalynn Levine & organist Joy-Leilani Garbutt

Women composers of the Baroque Era, featuring compositions by Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, Francesca Caccini, and Caterina Assandra.


4:00pm - Evensong

Music of Melissa Dunphy and Kerensa Briggs


December 24, 2025, Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols

4:00pm - We invite you to join us for a beautiful evening of carols and candlelight. Choir, instrumentalists, and organ will fill your hearts with the joy and wonder of Christmas with carols both old and new.

 

March 15, 2026, Concert and Evensong

3:15pm - Organist Angela Kraft Cross

Presenting the SF premier of her new Organ Symphonie, and works from the French Romantic repertoire.


4:00pm - Evensong

Music of Stephanie Martin and Anthony Piccolo

 

May 3, 2026, Choral Morning Prayer

10:00am - The service of Morning Prayer, created in 1549 by Thomas Cranmer, is a combination of three more ancient morning services: Matins, Lauds, and Prime.

 

May 24, 2026, Concert and Evensong

3:15pm - Organist Lauma Akmene

Works by J.S. Bach, alongside compositions by Florence Price and Jeanne Demessieux.


4:00pm - Evensong

Music of Margaret Burk and Herbert Howells.


All events are free and open to the public. Parking at Old First Garage (1725 Sacramento St.) is complimentary. See a St. Luke's usher to have your ticket stamped.


music at St. Luke's

Choral music is a defining ministry and gift at St. Luke’s. The choir sings each week at our 10 a.m. service, as well as for special services such as Lessons & Carols, memorial services, and holy days.

OUR PIPE ORGAN

Our magnificent organ is a keystone of great music at St. Luke's. St. Luke’s first contracted with Aeolian-Skinner (Opus 1350) in 1958 and the organ installation was completed in 1960. 


The organ has three manuals, five divisions, 60 ranks and slightly more than 3,400 pipes. Additions to the original 1958 design came in two periods. In 1976 a striking set of Trompette-en-Chamade pipes was added and can be seen along the west wall of the Nave. Also added was a Zimbelstern, and a tremolo to lend a romantic quality to the flute pipes of two of the divisions. In the 1990s a solid state action added 32 levels of combination piston memory, some of the pipes were revoiced, and the casework was redone to create the beautiful façade on the south wall. The organ's 3,400 pipes result in a "cathedral sound" unusual for a parish church on the West Coast. See the complete stoplist.

Become a friend of music at st. Luke's

We invite you to become a supporter of music at St. Luke's through our Friends of Music program, co-chaired by Rob Kerman and Hayedeh Scott. All donations go directly to our music fund and will help to make possible future concerts and special choral services throughout the year. When making a donation online, be sure to add "Music Fund" to the memo field. If you'd like to stay informed of future music events at St. Luke's, please send a note to: office@stlukessf.org.