Who We Are

The Litchfield County Choral Union is a community chorus that has been bringing the art of Choral Music to the region since 1899.

Our community is made up of singers and audiences from all over Connecticut, eastern New York, and western Massachusetts.

We are currently enrolling singers for our 2024 Season. Click Here for more information.

Dr. Gabriel Löfvall, Music Director

Dr. Gabriel Löfvall‘s musical journey began in the vibrant landscapes of Argentina, where the soulful melodies of the tango were his first muse. From an early age, Gabriel was immersed in music, joining the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo Boys’ Choir in Mendoza under the guidance of Maestro Marcelo Coltro. He pursued his passion for music at the same university, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance with the esteemed Dora de Marinis as his mentor. In 1997, Gabriel embarked on a new chapter in the United States, securing his Master of Music in Piano Performance and a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, Connecticut. There, he studied under the distinguished Brazilian recitalist, Luiz de Moura Castro.

Gabriel’s musical talents have resonated across continents, from the Americas to Europe, captivating audiences in Argentina, Chile, Brazil, England, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Hungary, and Canada. He has contributed significantly as the assistant conductor for The Main Street Singers of New Britain, Connecticut, and as a valued member of CONCORA, Connecticut Choral Artists. Additionally, Gabriel co-directed Vallis Musicæ, an ensemble that unites three church choirs from different denominations to perform locally and internationally, as well as the Men’s Choir from the Connecticut Children’s Chorus.

As the Artistic Director of Joyful Noise Inc., overseeing Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus, Gabriel has led the ensembles to significant achievements, international tours, and acclaimed recordings. His expertise is frequently sought after as a guest conductor and lecturer at various symposiums, conferences, and regional festivals for middle and high schools.

Since 2009, Gabriel has served as the music director at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church in Hartford. Under his leadership, the church’s choirs have expanded in both number and professional excellence. The church regularly hosts guest artists, enriching its choral program, and the historic brownstone building now boasts a magnificent new pipe organ. Thanks to Gabriel’s efforts and the support of Pastor Timothy Shreenan, a splendid 1977 Schantz organ now enhances the chancel area, complementing an existing Austin organ in the choir loft.

Gabriel earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford in 2016, mentored by the renowned choir director and author, Dr. Edward Bolkovac.

Recently, Gabriel has been honored with the position of Artistic Director for the Litchfield County Choral Union for their summer 2024 performance, a role he accepts with enthusiasm and gratitude.

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Allyn, Accompanist

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Allyn is a graduate of the Hartt College of Music and holds a Master of Arts and Liberal Studies degree from Wesleyan University. In 2002 Liz returned to Norfolk and was named the Minister of Music for the Church of Christ Congregational (UCC). Norfolk was where she began her organ studies and shortly thereafter left to serve as choir director and organist for a local church, at the age of 15. 

Liz recently retired after teaching music in the CT public school system for forty years. She is a collaborative accompanist for the senior choir of Chorus Angelicus, Torrington and is one of the accompanists for Vocalis Youth Choir, Great Barrington. She previously worked as an accompanist for Ruth Lanché, in her private voice studio and at Hotchkiss School.