American baritone and multi-instrumentalist conductor, Allyn McCourt, is a versatile artist whose passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on the realms of music education, performance, and artistic leadership. Hailing from Jamaica Plain, MA, Allyn is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music (M.M.) and proudly serves as the Director of Music and Choirmaster at St. Ignatius of Loyola in Chestnut Hill.
At just 17, Allyn showcased his talent on the prestigious stage of Boston Symphony Hall as a Grand Prize winner of the Fidelity Futurestage Competition, performing in a string quartet alongside the Boston Pops. This formative experience afforded him invaluable insights from luminaries like Keith Lockhart and renowned cellist Mihail Jojatu of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Throughout his career, Allyn has lent his string prowess to various orchestras across New England, including the New Hampshire Philharmonic, Quincy Symphony, The Gilded Age Orchestra, and Fall River Symphony. Currently, he holds the position of principal violist with the Cambridge Chamber Ensemble,which received the 2025 American Prize in Opera Performance for their production of Handel’s Samson. Allyn is the violist of the newly founded Moss Hill String Quartet, as well as the longtime violinist and vocalist of Manouche Urbain, a 1920’s “hot-club” swing jazz band that muses audiences across New England. Manouche Urbain most recently performed alongside GRAMMY-nominated trumpeter, Rich Kelley, of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
As a respected educator, Allyn currently imparts his knowledge and passion for music as a Voice Faculty member at the Rivers School Conservatory and Boston College. His teaching philosophy centers on vocal health and longevity through science-based voice pedagogy. His approach is tailored to prioritize each student’s specific tonal goals and aspirations, while inspiring a lifelong curiosity and love of singing, to build confidence and realize the goal of uninhibited artistic expression. He previously served as the Executive Director of the UML String Project & Youth Orchestra, overseeing captivating showcases and securing notable grants, including a $50,000 grant from The Parker Foundation and The Office of the Chancellor.
In addition to his teaching and leadership roles, Allyn's talent as a baritone has earned him recognition as a frequent soloist with the Cambridge-based choir, Cantata Singers. He has also performed with renowned ensembles such as the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Illumination Opera, Odyssey Opera, and more.
With his rich voice, virtuosic command of strings, and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, Allyn continues to captivate audiences and inspire future generations through the transcendent power of music.
“Allyn McCourt’s powerful bass in “So glaube nun” made the firm belief in divine providence a comforting prospect.”
Aaron Keebaugh, Boston Classical Review
“Their sound – a blend of eminently danceable, jazz and swing genres – really made our event come to life”
Devin Karambelas, National Programming Manager, WGBH
