About
Our Mission
The Newburyport Choral Society (NCS) performs outstanding choral music for cultural enrichment and education in the greater Newburyport area, for people of all backgrounds to experience the joy of music.
Founded in 1934 with its debut concert in the spring of 1935, NCS is the premiere community chorus on the North Shore. Comprised of 100 singers from more than 30 communities in eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, we are a non-auditioned Chorus.
Credit: Jeremiah True Photography
Our Staff
Providing Top Notch Musical Performances
Credit: Jeremiah True Photography
Dr. Minji Kim
Music Director
Minji Kim, Ph.D. became Newburyport Choral Society’s Music Director in 2023. Dr. Kim holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Choral Conducting from the University of Maryland, a Master of Music (MM) in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University, and a Bachelor of Music (BM) in Composition from Yeungnam University in South Korea. She is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choirs at Gordon College in Wenham, MA. She has held conducting master classes and has participated in conducting competitions in the United States and around the world.
Credit: Jeremiah True Photography
Dr. Kirsten Helgeland
Collaborative Pianist
Kirsten Helgeland, Ph.D. is Organist and Music Director at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Beverly. She has served as accompanist to the Newburyport Choral Society since 2005. Kirsten has performed widely in Ohio, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Illinois, and on WGBH-Radio’s Chamberworks. She teaches at Studio K, Beverly, MA, and is a part-time Lecturer in Graduate Music Education at Gordon College. Kirsten holds degrees in piano performance from the Eastman School of Music and the College Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati, and a Ph.D. in Musicology from the University of Cincinnati.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee:
President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Membership:
Past President:
Victoria Bushey
Christopher Parker
Danielle Sherman
Lucas Shaw
Penny Lazurus
Rob Authier
Board Members:
Advertisement Director: Concert Manager:
Development Director:
Fundraising Director:
IT Director:
Logistics Director:
Social Media Director:
Media Co-Director:
Member-At-Large 1:
Member-At-Large 2:
Member-At-Large 3:
Outreach Director:
Printing Director:
Sponsorship Director:
Al Cox
Amanda Zeller
Barry Connell
Betsy Beach
Anita Greenwood
Al Cox
Sarah Boucher
Corrinne Bishop
Sarah Wilsey
Kathleen O'Neill
Joseph Cox
Ashley Leone
Ramsay Dean
Jane O'Keefe
Our History: Get to Know Us
The Newburyport Choral Society has a rich history dating back to 1934. Over the years, the group has grown in size and reputation, performing a wide range of choral works to audiences throughout the region and beyond. Today, the society continues to thrive, bringing together talented singers and music lovers from all walks of life.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement
The Newburyport Choral Society stands with those seeking equal justice for all. NCS has a longstanding commitment to equal access to choral participation, inclusion and respect for all people. We recommit to working with and learning from organizations in the arts that are dedicated to social justice in the hopes of achieving meaningful change and equality for all.