Music at First Parish

       Music is an essential part of First Parish.  Under the direction of Robert Littlefield, the parish enjoys outstanding music during both regular Sunday services and special holiday services.  Robert is shared with our neighbors at First Baptist Church in a relationship that benefits both churches. Choir members from each church regularly supplement the other’s resident choir for those musical offerings requiring a more substantial choir. This provides both churches with the otherwise unlikely opportunity to offer glorious renditions of works such as Schubert’s Mass in G, Mendelsohn’s Elijah and Verdi’s Requiem.

      From a musical perspective, First Parish is uniquely blessed with a sanctuary featuring excellent acoustics and a beautiful (both visually and in terms of sound) pipe organ.  The choir at First Parish sings for Sunday service twice a month as well as for all major holiday services.   The choir is 25 members strong, with a good balance amongst all four sections.  Paid section leaders are provided for three of the sections to provide a strong musical background in the areas where our volunteer members need professional support.

     Sunday services when the choir is not singing still feature excellent musical offerings provided by soloists and ensembles.  Robert and/or a guest musician may perform piano or instrumental works.  Section leaders from the choir may offer arias or duets.  Talented members of the congregation will present pieces by a variety of composers. The music covers a full range of styles from folk to opera, classical to jazz, and spirituals to requiem masses.

     At First Parish children have the opportunity to participate in a choir. Junior choir began meeting again in 1998. They sing 10 times throughout the year.

     Another important aspect of the First Parish music program is the community music services that are coordinated by Robert Littlefield and usually hosted by First Parish.  In December, the First Parish choir joins other Beverly church choirs to present the Christmas portion of the Messiah.  On Good Friday, the combined church choirs perform Mozart’s Requiem.  These events provide the members of the local church choirs the opportunity to sing these popular works with a large group of fellow musicians and an orchestra.  The services are very popular with the community at large and are typically attended by approximately 300 people.  The services are also generally videotaped for rebroadcast on the Beverly public access cable television station.

Robert Littlefield has been associated with First Parish Church for 42 years.  Besides his duties as organist and choir director, he also teaches numerous private organ and piano students.  Additionally, Robert is the accompanist for Chorus North Shore and Portsmouth Pro Musica.  Robert has presented many organ recitals over the years. In 1993, he gave a recital at Jesus College in Cambridge, England.  Robert is known for his friendly nature and sense of humor.  If two words could describe him,  the words would be “talent” and “enthusiasm”.
His hobbies include studying architecture and travel. Robert has visited 49 states. (He has yet to visit Hawaii). He is also an antique car buff!  Robert lives in Newburyport and has a son who teaches at Newburyport High School.