Jim Picken is an Associate Director of Music Ministry at Knox Presbyterian Church, accompanist of the Calgary Men’s Chorus, Voix des Rocheuses, and enjoys the life of a collaborative musician.
A Calgary native, his musical training began here. His degrees include B.Mus. in Piano Performance (University of Victoria, 1975), B.A. and M.A. in Theology (Oxford University, 1980, 1994), and M.Mus. in Organ Performance (University of Calgary, 2011.) His valued teachers have included Kay Voss, Peter Turner and Robin Wood (piano), Robert Bell and Neil Cockburn (organ), as well as many voice teachers, choral directors and solo artists with whom he has had the privilege to work.
Organists always like to boast about fabulous instruments they have played. In addition to many Calgary organs, Jim has played at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor; St. Paul’s Cathedral, London; Wells, St. Alban’s and Chichester Cathedrals; and Paris churches including St. Sulpice, La Madeleine, La Trinité and Notre Dame.
Jim is also proud that under his tenure the Knox organ has been richly enhanced – the former 7-rank instrument now has 27 ranks, an ideal size for the building. (Thanks to Steve Miller, Hart Godden, and the many others who made this possible.)
Whenever he plays at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer, Jim is fondly reminded of his years here as a chorister, assistant organist, pastoral assistant and music director (1966-1969; 1994-2000.)
Copies of Jim’s various CDs are available in the narthex.