The Epiphany Jazz Mass

Old Cambridge Baptist Church (OCBC) in Harvard Sq. kicks off 2020 and the liturgical season of Epiphany with some joyful, meditative and hope-filled sonic celebrating!  For the 38th year now, pianist and liturgical composer Douglas Koch will present the annual celebration of The Epiphany Jazz Mass with his quartet Ensemble Epiphanie featuring Linda Chase on flute, Chris Rathbun on bass, and Ed Sorrentino on percussion. This contemporary setting of the mass celebrates the Divine “shining forth” in the life of Christ, and lifts up the yearnings of all humanity for compassion, new life and peace rooted in justice. The psalms, hymns, and setting of this mass are all in jazz and Third Stream idioms, and include the band’s improvisations to Koch’s homiletic ruminations and Epiphany scripture readings. The service is highly participatory and people are encouraged to arrive at 10:15 for a rehearsal of the congregation’s music.