On Monday evenings in September through April, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Framingham fills with the familiar sounds of chatter, laughter, and treble voices blending into something bigger than the sum of their parts. For the chorus long known as The A Cappella Singers, those weekly gatherings have always been about more than music alone: they are about community, resilience, and the joy of making harmony together.

Now, the group is beginning a new chapter under a new name: Allegra Commonwealth Singers.

President Beatrice Wood says the change reflects both the ensemble’s roots and its aspirations. “After extensive brainstorming and then ranked-choice voting, this was the name that prevailed. We like that the initials stay the same, so it honors who we’ve been while also describing who we are more clearly,” she said. “Allegra carries the feeling of joy and musical energy, and Commonwealth speaks to our Massachusetts home, our broader community, and the shared spirit that connects us as singers.”

Roots, Change, and Growth

The chorus, under the direction of Brett Abigaña since last year, has long been part of the MetroWest arts landscape, originating in Natick in 1963 and presenting concerts there and in nearby towns such as Wellesley and Framingham. During the earliest days when the group’s name was coined, the chorus performed strictly a cappella pieces. Over the years, the group has adapted to changing schedules, changing needs, and changing times, and its repertoire today is mostly accompanied by piano. 

“The way a cappella music has been presented in recent television vocal competitions and the Pitch Perfect movies has created an expectation for our group that is at odds with reality,” Wood explained. “We don’t know how many singers have ruled out auditioning because of that, but we do know that some singers have been disappointed when they learn in person that we sing with a director in front of us and a pianist at our side. Hopefully, this new name will put an end to any confusion and all singers who love to read music and enjoy being part of a wall of choral sound will give us a try.”  

According to Wood, there are a couple of other exciting opportunities on the horizon for the chorus beyond the traditional concerts: planning a 2027 summer tour in Ireland, and a 2028 workshop for young composers of choral music. Community singers interested in joining the trip next year are urged to contact the chorus prior to Aug. 23, 2026.

An Open Invitation

While the name is changing, the heart of the chorus remains the same - a community of singers committed to performing choral music together and sharing that joy with others. 

Interested adult voices in the treble range (SSAA) are welcome to attend guest nights on September 7, 14, and 21, where the December concert repertoire will be introduced. Rehearsals are Monday nights, 7-9 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 3 Maple Street, in Framingham. There is no formal audition - singers are heard for voice placement, ability to match pitch, and capability to read music. 

The new website is coming soon - until then, the public should continue to use the legacy name and reach out for more information as follows:

- theacappellasingers.org

- [email protected] 

- 774-231-8508