Alex Benestelli
Alex Benestelli is organist/choirmaster and principal musician of St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, La Jolla, CA, and is responsible for leading a diverse music program of volunteers and professionals as an effective part of St. James’ overall ministry. He also serves as Artistic Director of the St. James Music Series, which highlights the art of choral music in Southern California. Since coming to St. James in 2017, Alex established the Festival Choir and Choral Scholars programs, instituted new traditions such as Christmas Lessons and Carols and Compline-by-Candlelight, and he led the St. James Choir and Orchestra in an acclaimed performance accompanied by the award-winning composer, Morten Lauridsen. He holds degrees, with honors, from Westminster Choir College and the University of Southern California, and among his many experiences, Alex has performed choral works with the New York Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and The Rolling Stones.