Boston Children’s Chorus’s vibrant, jubilant, and powerful performances have established them as leading young artists in the city of Boston and beyond. Internationally recognized for their innovative programming, passionate artistry, and ability to connect to audiences, Boston Children’s Chorus showcases the talent and passion of the diverse young people of our city.
Named Boston’s “Ambassadors of Harmony” by the Boston Globe, BCC presents over 50 performances per season in a wide range of public and private events. They have performed in venues from Boston Symphony Hall, and Royal Albert Hall in London, to Sydney Opera House, and the White House. BCC has appeared in TED talks, regular appearances on local TV and radio networks, and performances with high profile artists including Idina Menzel, Javier Muñoz, Hugh Jackman, Leslie Odom Jr, and Melinda Doolittle.
In 2013, they were presented with the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, distinguishing BCC as one of the top arts and humanities based programs in the nation; BCC accepted the award from First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House.
Concert Choir:
Julie Al-Beirouty
Veronique Antoine
Chora Bayer
Ailie Bell
Lydia Bens
Mariana Chango Gassett
Elle DiFazio
Maeve Flaherty
Jade Flemming
Maia Grammatopoulos
Sarah Han
Sarah Hernandez-Rodriguez
Olivia Joseph
Bija Kovatch
Jasper LoRusso
Hurielle Louis
Savannah Martin
Anna Metaxatos
Cecilia Mikala
Liana Min
Niva Pandey
Grace Porter
Mira Rath
Grace Reynolds
Amélie Richardson
Karina Ryan
Neve Sahni
Tiana Sandefur
Yana Tsibere
Tal Weitz
Instrumentalists:
Collaborative Pianist - Kelvyn Koning
Bass - Carlos Sulbarán
Drums/Percussion - Hector E Saint-Hilaire
Staff Bios:
Emily Howe - Conductor, Concert Choir
Emily Howe is a versatile conductor, educator, and ethnomusicologist whose passion for community-building through music has taken her into concert halls, schools, prisons, and places of worship throughout Boston and around the world. Working with the Boston Children’s Chorus in various capacities since 2009, Emily has conducted ensembles at all levels of the organization, and is excited to work with Concert Choir during the 2022-2023 season. Outside of BCC, Emily is Assistant Professor of Music at Curry College, where she leads the choral program and teaches courses in Musicology and Ethnomusicology. Emily has authored publications, given presentations, and taught university courses on topics related to music education, choral music, and world music cultures, and she continues to explore issues related to global repertoires, performance, and identity in her scholarly and creative practice. Emily holds an undergraduate degree in Music and English from Davidson College and a master's degree in Choral Conducting from Boston University, where she also earned her Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology.
Maggie Storm - Assistant Conductor
Maggie Storm, an energetic choral conductor from Long Island, New York, leads with enthusiasm. This marks her third season with Boston Children’s Chorus, and she's thrilled to return to Concert Choir. Currently, Maggie is pursuing her Master’s in Choral Conducting at the New England Conservatory of Music under the baton of Erica Washburn. Alongside her studies, Maggie works as an Acquisitions Assistant at the Blumenthal Family Library, where she handles cataloging, maintaining collections, and writing about new additions. She also is a graduate assistant to Dr. Kati Agocs, Professor of Composition. During the summer, Maggie contributes to the Charles River Creative Arts Program, teaching guitar, piano, ukulele, and modern band. This past summer Maggie has taken on the role of Camp Director, blending her musical skills with administrative duties. Maggie's background includes years of public school teaching. She taught middle school chorus at Cameron Middle School, where she founded the Campfire Chorus club. Previously, she taught middle and high school at Trumansburg Central School District. Maggie holds a BM in Music Education from Ithaca College, studying with Sean Linfors. At Ithaca, Maggie was the Choral Department Assistant, and President of IC’s chapter of ACDA, which won the National Outstanding Student Chapter award.
Kelvyn Koning - Collaborative Pianist
Kelvyn Koning (he/they) specializes in composing for choir and theatre and performing as a countertenor and pianist. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Composition from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI and a Master of Music in Composition from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Kelvyn has been commissioned to write pieces for Boston Latin School, Chandler MS, Zeeland HS, Batesville HS, Arlington HS, the Da Camera Singers, Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, First Parish Needham, Calvin University, Nightingale Vocal Ensemble, Lilith Vocal Ensemble, Quorum Boston, Cantilena Women’s Chorus, and the Oriana Consort. His latest works include two full-length musicals, The Glassblower’s Daughter at the Regent Theater and The Prince and the Painter with Moonbox Productions. Kelvyn is a founding member of Nightingale Vocal Ensemble and West Michigan Choral Lab, for whom he sings and composes music. Kelvyn has also sung with the Calvin Alumni Choir, Quorum, Lilith, and the Oriana Consort. He performed as a soloist at the Beaver Island Baroque Festival in his home state of Michigan and has premiered several new vocal and piano works by his friends in Boston. Kelvyn is an active solo pianist and accompanist around Boston, working at the Boston Conservatory, JP Jubilee Chorus, Boston Children’s Chorus, and Watertown Children’s Theatre, as well as freelancing. He is also the Music Minister at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Natick, acting as the pianist, organist, and choir director. Kelvyn’s vision is to foster empathy, healing, and social justice for individuals and communities through music. His philosophy is that different types of music can work together harmoniously to create new and beautiful things, just as different types of people can.
Kenneth Griffith - Music Director
Kenneth Griffith serves as the Music Director and Principal Conductor of Boston Children's Chorus (BCC), leading the Premier Choir and guiding the artistic programs. His warm, demanding approach resonates with young performers, fostering connections from elementary to collegiate levels. Noteworthy performances under his leadership include venues like Boston's Symphony Hall, collaborations with acclaimed artists like Idina Menzel and Lawrence Brownlee, and a recent tour to Canada. Kenneth is passionate about the role of singing in bringing together diverse communities and leading to social change. Apart from BCC, Kenneth recently prepared a chorus for Anthony Davis' Pulitzer-winning opera, 'X: The Life & Times of Malcolm X,' earning a GRAMMY nomination in 2023. Kenneth holds degrees from Capital University and Bard College.