The University Chorale of Boston College

Peace, Love and Tollite!

Our Mission

The Boston College University Chorale aims to achieve musical excellence while promoting a vibrant and inclusive environment. We believe in the power of choral music to inspire and build connections across diverse communities. We aim to enrich the cultural life of Boston College and beyond through dynamic performances and collaborative efforts. We strive to create a musical setting where singers and audiences alike feel valued, supported, and engaged.

Quick Links

Welcome to the official website of the Chorale of Boston College! We invite you to explore our page, and find out more about who are the people of Chorale, our Director, and more! Follow us on Instagram, and/or email us at bcchorale@bc.edu to hear about more news.

If you would like to donate to the Chorale, please select the Donate page.

If you would like to buy a CD or some merchandise, click this link (still under construction!) to access the purchase form.

If you would like to audition for the Chorale, please follow the instructions on the Auditions page.

Please click here for more information on tickets, or here for all upcoming concert dates.

About the Chorale

The Chorale of Boston College was founded in 1913 following the university move to the Chestnut Hill campus. As an organization with a lot of history with BC, we perform at various events throughout the year, such as Commencement or Pops on the Heights, as well as having two major concerts during each semester.

All members of the Boston College community are eligible to be part of the University Chorale. All years are welcome in the Chorale, even Graduate students and faculty members! This year, we have nine undergraduate officers from the Junior and Senior classes (five seniors and four juniors) who manage the Chorale functions.

We also go on a Spring Break trip each year! It is always an awesome time, and is a great opportunity to meet people of BC from every class. This year’s trip will be to Rome and Florence, Italy!

Photo Credits: Almany Berthe

Our Director

Dr. Riikka Pietiläinen Caffrey is currently in her third year as Director of the University Chorale of Boston College. A native Finn, she has been frequently invited as a clinician for choral ensembles in Europe and within the United States.

Riikka has held academic positions at American University in Beirut, Lebanon, at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, and at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston.

Riikka is an active member of the Advocacy and Collaboration Committee of the American Choral Directors Association, and the chair of the Advocacy Committee for the International Alliance for Women in Music.

Riikka’s compositions have been published by Alliance Music Publications and Kandinsky Music. Riikka holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Jazz Performance from the City College of City University of New York as well as Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Choral Conducting from the University of Colorado.