The First Church Boston Choral Ensemble is a twelve-member professional entity of singers, which includes soloists, instrumentalists, and actors from Boston’s thriving musical community. Nimble, adaptable and diverse we are able to sing a variety of repertoire styles and languages.

In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, the Choral Ensemble may sing thematically related secular music as well as music from a variety of sacred traditions, gospel and contemporary, aspiring to inspire and lift up the message of the day.

The Choral Ensemble’s repertoire ranges from the High Renaissance through collaborations with living composers and our composers in residence, Larry Thomas Bell and Ellie Miller. Multi-movement works have included Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, Philip Glass’ Three Songs for Choir a capella, Paul Creston’s Leaves of Grass, Op. 100, Larry Thomas Bell’s Emersonia, Op. 113  and The Bell (premiers), and Bill Heigen’s CX Choral Cycle (premier) and most recently, Adolphus Hailstork’s Seven Songs of the Rubaiyat and John Rutter’s Gloria were offered in a Festival Concert to commemorate 50 years since the bold rebuilding of First Church Boston on April 30, 2022 under its present Director of Music, Gigi Mitchell-Velasco.

Members of the congregation are strongly encouraged to contact the Director of Music about volunteer opportunities.

First Church Boston Choral Ensemble members – 2023

Erin Anderson, soprano
Alecia Batson, soprano
Sarah Beegle, mezzo-soprano
Keith Eric Brinkley, baritone
Elizabeth Camele, soprano
Heather Gallagher, mezzo-soprano

Alex Lyons, tenor
Sophia O’Shea, soprano
Brianna Pérez, soprano
William Thorpe, baritone
Noel Velasco, tenor
Bob Winkley, baritone


When professional choir openings are available, auditions are announced with the New England Conservatory Job Bulletin, Boston Singers Resource, and other listing services.