One of the greatest gifts we have is the capacity to experience the beauty of music. Throughout the ages, the rich tradition of choral music in the church assures us that generation after generation, people have recognized the ability of music to invoke spiritual awe. The church continues to insist that music is integral to the experience of the Mass. With that in mind, Epiphany seeks to provide the highest quality music at our Sunday masses to engage the congregation and elevate the liturgy. We have been blessed with a phenomenal acoustical space--it is only appropriate that this space is filled with beautiful sacred music!

The Church of the Epiphany is home to a thriving sacred music program. The musical styles of our various choirs present a unique and spiritual element that enables our congregation to lift up their voices in praise. Although the various groups have different styles, different rehearsal times, different commitment levels, and different Mass schedules, they all strive toward a common goal: to lead the congregation in sung prayer and to glorify God through the music which they produce.

Epiphany Combined Adult and Children’s Chorus

The 11am Sunday Family Mass features music provided by the Epiphany Combined Community Chorus. The music at this Mass is family-oriented to complement the presence of our children and adult members of Epiphany. The hymns reflect a great stylistic range, including Gospel, praise & worship band, taizé, and more.

Adult vocalists (from teens and on) should be able to match pitch, sing with a group, and attend both rehearsals and scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 10:15am-11 and occasionally from 12:15-1pm in the main sanctuary (except June-September). Commitment for the entire year is expected.

If you are interested in joining our Combined Adult and Children’s Chorus, contact Jack Coen, Director of Music jack.d.coen@gmail.com

Children (grades four through eight) are invited to join the choir. Vocalists should be able to match pitch, sing with a group, and all members should attend both rehearsals and scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish. Rehearsal is every Sunday at 9:45am before Mass in the church. Commitment from October to June is expected.

If your child would like to join the youth choir please contact our youth choir director Natalie Pavelek at epiphanyyouthchoirnyc@gmail.com

Epiphany Schola Cantorum

The 11am Sunday Combined Adult and Children Choral Mass features sacred music provided by a combined choir and Epiphany’s Schola Cantorum. “Schola Cantorum” is a term that historically referred to the clergy members who were scholars of music and where therefore entrusted to execute the parts of the mass that are designated to be sung.

7:30pm Young Adults Mass Contemporary Ensemble

A bright, energetic ensemble of young adults lead sung prayer at the weekly 7:30pmYoung Adults Mass.  The ensemble sings mainly contemporary pieces, using repertoire from current Christian music to liturgical song of the last twenty years.  The choir is accompanied by piano and sometimes other instruments such as guitar, and drums. Vocalists should be able to match pitch, sing with a group, and all members should attend both rehearsals and scheduled Masses. The ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity. Anyone interested in sharing their musical gifts is encouraged to offer their talents to the parish. Commitment for the entire year is expected.

For more information, contact Paulo Tirol, Director paulophonic@gmail.com

Special Concerts and Music Performances

Outside of worship, Epiphany hosts a concert series that features world-renowned talent. In addition to professional choirs, orchestras, and the Epiphany adult and youth choirs, the concerts have featured soloists including: Dylan Foley, All-Ireland-winning fiddle player; Rama Kumaran, the youngest National Flute Association Young Artist Award recipient; Mary Grace Johnson, violinist; Joshua Miller, baritone; and Jack Coen, Epiphany’s  director of music and organist.

FRIENDS OF MUSIC

Would you like to support the Epiphany music program? Each year, over a hundred people contribute to this crucial fund to support the music at our worship services and to ensure our concert series will continue to enrich the Gramercy community.

If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Music contact our music director Jack Coen at jack.d.coen@gmail.com.

John (Jack) Daniel Coen, Epiphany’s music director, is an organist, pianist and composer based in New York City. He graduated summa cum laude from the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. Before coming to Epiphany, he was the music director and organist at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Croton-on-Hudson. He has interned as an organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Jack is both a composer and lyricist. Stephen Sondheim has said Jack’s work is “remarkably craftsmanlike,” and “skillful and graceful.” He has received several commissions, notably from pianist Craig Nies, and violinists Mary Grace Johnson and Matthew Lammers. When he is not at Epiphany, he is the Director of Music at Temple Emanuel in Manhattan. 

Natalie Pavelek, Epiphany’s beloved Youth Choir Director, Assistant Director and Cantor. Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, Natalie began singing at Epiphany in 2013, shortly after moving to pursue her Masters in Music at New Jersey City University. After graduating, Natalie became more involved with Epiphany's music ministry, co-founding the Youth Choir as assistant director, and soon after, assuming the role of director. Natalie is Epiphany’s featured cantor, employing her beautiful voice to lead the congregation in singing  liturgical hymns. She is also an accomplished actor, with featured roles in numerous film, television and feature projects.

Paulo K Tiról is the music director for our 7:30pm Young Adults Mass on Sundays. He was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, where he majored in Communication at Ateneo de Manila University. Afterwards, he studied at Boston’s Berklee College of Music and earned an MFA in Musical Theater Writing at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Today, Paulo is a musical theatre writer and liturgical musician working in New York City and Jersey City. His musical theater projects include music and lyrics for ON THIS SIDE OF THE WORLD (world premiere in Los Angeles in summer 2023). As a liturgical composer, Paulo's composition "Still We Sing Alleuia" was named Song of the Year by the Association of Catholic Publishers in 2021. "Still We Sing Alleluia" and other works by Paulo are published by Oregon Catholic Press (OCP). Paulo also works as Assistant Director of Music at St Aedan’s: The Saint Peter University Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. We are blessed to have him with us at Epiphany!