Music is a highlight of our Sunday services, the church choir expresses the hope, joy, and compassion of our community and the world.
A long standing tradition at First Parish the choir is a beloved part of our church experience. It is led by our music director and composed of church members and professional section leaders. It is a consistent presence throughout the church year.
In addition to our weekly choir, all youth aged 5 to 18 are invited and encouraged to sing as a group at several services throughout the year. The Youth Choir is not a fixed ensemble. Children can come to rehearsals and services as they are available. The joy of singing together is our main goal!
We also have talented instrumentalists who shared their gifts with us throughout the year.
Interested in singing in the weekly choir or participating with the youth choir? Send an email to our music director.
Music Director
Keith Kirchoff
Keith Kirchoff is a pianist, composer, conductor, concert curator, and teacher. Described as a “virtuosic tour de force” whose playing is “energetic, precise, (and) sensitive,” he works towards promoting under-recognized composers and educating audiences of the importance of new and experimental music. An active lecturer who has presented in countries throughout the world, his recital programs focus on the integration of computers and modern electronics into a traditional classical performance space.
This video features Keith performing “The Rose-Window”, an original composition, on our chuch organ, with Jonathan Motes, our Baritone section leader.
Section leaders
Our section leaders come from diverse backgrounds.
They anchor the voices of the choir and share their gifts in both unison and solo performances.
Elizabeth McIntire, Soprano
Graduated with her M.M. in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory in May 2008. She received her B.A. in Theatre from Smith College and spent a year studying acting at the British American Drama Academy. Elizabeth has been seen onstage as Second Woodsprite in The Diva Day Foundation’s Rusalka, Hero in NEC’s Egisto, Meg in Intermezzo Opera Festival’s Falstaff, and Ms. Lavender-Gas in NEC Outreach’s Help! Help! The Globolinks! She is the Outreach Chair of the Diva Day Foundation. Elizabeth is a Brain Integration practitioner at WholeBody Solutions in Quincy, MA and also has a private practice doing Brain Integration in Jamaica Plain.
Jonathan Motes, Baritone
Jonathan is a student at Boston Conservatory at Berklee studying for his MM in Vocal Performance with expected graduation in 2026. He earned his BM from Oberlin Conservatory of Music in 2023. While at Oberlin, Jonathan performed in many opera productions, including Handel’s Acis and Galatea and Bernstein’s Candide. A lover of new opera, he premiered two new operas with themes rooted in intersectionality at Oberlin in The Puppy Episode and Alice Tierney. Jon just completed his second summer at Brevard Music Center’s Janiec Opera Company. Productions in the last two summers include La Traviata, La Boheme, Flight, The Threepenny Opera and more. Jon originally hails from Plymouth, Minnesota.
Abigail Nordan, Mezzo-Soprano & Alto Section Leader
Abigail Nordan was born and raised in the Greater Boston area and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She additionally serves on the artistic staff of the Boston Children’s Chorus and the Greater Boston Stage Company. Previously, Abigail studied music and psychology at Oberlin College, where she was the Assistant Conductor of the Oberlin Music at Grafton Prison Choir. In addition to performing, Abigail is a passionate researcher currently examining narratives of genius in Western Classical music and how they influence gendered power dynamics in early career spaces.
Nicholas Alessi, Tenor
Nicholas Alessi is a Boston based tenor. He is motivated everyday by a love of great music and endeavors to bring impactful performances to audiences large and small. He has nearly a decade of professional-level singing and performance experience. Nicholas recognizes the powerful role the arts play in society and has dedicated himself not only to the mastery of his craft but also to advocating for accessibility in the arts and for arts education as a method for well being.
The Caring Choir – Sharing Comfort Through Song
The Caring Choir is a small, heartfelt ensemble of volunteer singers who come together several times a year to rehearse and prepare music meant to uplift and soothe. The choir is available to offer the gift of song to anyone in need of a musical “pick-me-up” — whether they are facing illness, recovering from surgery, or simply going through a difficult time.
With about 15 members, including current and former members of the First Parish community, the choir brings warmth, compassion, and connection through music. If you know someone who could use the healing power of music, let us know — the Caring Choir is here to sing from the heart.
Interested in connecting with the work of the Caring Choir? Email Keith!