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Boston's Best Choirs

Among all of Boston's theater performances and large orchestral performances, there are many choirs. Some of these choirs are well known to Boston and others hide away in small venues. No matter how popular or long-lived, the best choirs in Boston have great voices making up their numbers and are well worth the time to see. The blend of voices coming together to sing in Boston is great entertainment any time of year.

Boston Gay Men's Chorus
Boston Gay Men's Chorus (Photo from Boston Gay Men's Chorus/Facebook)

Boston Gay Men's Chorus
95 Berkeley St. Suite 410
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 542-7464
www.bgmc.org

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus is a choral ensemble that is comprised of gay men, surely, but this performing group does more than just promote equality. It performs Christmas shows and similar seasonal and event shows. This is a family-oriented group that invites people of all walks of life to come and enjoy its melodic singing. The BGMC puts on a variety of shows, so do not forget to check its current season listings. From cabaret to story telling, this group of gay men does it all.

Boston Children's Chorus
Boston Children's Chorus (Photo from Boston Children's Chorus/Facebook)

Boston Children's Chorus
112 Shawmut Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 778-2242
www.bostonchildrenschorus.org

There is something about the voices of children that disappears with age. It has been noted for quite some time and cherished by many cultures and eras. Boston cherishes it too with the Boston Children's Chorus. No matter the season, come and listen to the fresh, young voices of Boston as they sing carols, popular music and more. Remember, while young, these are trained singers who have even recorded choral records, so the performances are quality, and the children adorable. Interested parties can purchase the chorus' CDs on its website and get a taste of what these kids can do.

Boston Choral Ensemble
Boston Choral Ensemble (Photo from Boston Choral Ensemble)

Boston Choral Ensemble
Boston, MA 02117
www.bostonchoral.org

The Boston Choral Ensemble is a professional-quality choir that consists of both professional and hobbyist, but all skilled, singers. The music that comes from the Boston Choral Ensemble ranges from religious songs sung in churches around the city to secular music performed at a variety of venues. The organization is relatively new, having been formed in 2001, but it already has a name for itself and performs as well as much older institutions.

Related: Boston's Best Opera

Cantilena: A Women's Chorale
Cantilena: A Women's Chorale (Photo from Cantilena: A Women's Chorale)

Cantilena: A Women's Chorale
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church
630 Massachusetts Ave.
Arlington Center, MA 02476
(781) 938-5825
www.cantilena.org

Cantilena is roughly 30 women singing songs designed for treble-type voices. The choir has been performing for nearly 50 years, but did not become a women's chorus until 1980. Since then, the group underwent a name change and has developed a more femme-centric identity. Expect soothing voices performing everything from music about women's relationships to holiday carols. No matter how woman-centered the group is, the performances are for everyone. The singing is beautiful and the shows are family friendly.

Back Bay Chorale
Back Bay Chorale (Photo from Back Bay Chorale)

Back Bay Chorale
Boston, MA 02117
(617) 648-3885
www.backbaychorale.org

For those who enjoy a great classic chorus, the Back Bay Chorale will deliver. This 120-person chorus does perform some contemporary pieces, but its repertoire of pieces from classical eras is appreciable. These are powerful ensembles, so guests can expect a high-caliber show whenever they see the Back Bay Chorale. Accomplished musicians round out the Back Bay Chorale's performances so everything comes together professionally and with the desired effect.

Related: Boston's Best Chamber Music

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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