Jazz Mass 2018

Our third annual Jazz Mass fell right on July 1 - the Octave Day of St. John the Baptist in the prayer book, but was somewhat overshadowed by Moving Day in Quebec. Combine that with the record breaking humidex values of nearly 50, the more modest attendance we had compared to last year was hardly surprising.

The service was a mix of old and new, reprising the familiar Chilcott Mass setting and welcoming back last year's soloist, Ranee Lee, as preacher. We were all moved by her tribute to her late husband and performing partner, Richard Ring. He was in the final stages of his battle with Alzheimer's and died days later. After Mme Lee's solo vocals last year, trumpeter Ron Do Lauro made for a fresh change of pace.

As is becoming our custom, the Mass was celebrated in conjunction with an exhibit showcasing the bond between jazz and the visual arts. This year it was the paintings of Sonia Indelicato Roseval under the title The Enigma of Jazz. We are indebted once again to our curator Prof. Norman Cornett, and to all who helped to make lunch happen.

Your Jazz Mass Committee is already planning next year's celebrations. Watch these pages for updates over the coming months!