About To the Fore Concert Series

Mission

Our mission is to provide to the congregation of First Parish and the community of Needham, concerts of both new and existing classical music, composed and/or performed by musicians of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.

About Buffy Duhig

The Elizabeth Duhig to the Fore Concert Series is so named in honor of First Parishioner Elizabeth “Buffy” Duhig (1937-2024), who was an avid supporter of the series and attended nearly every concert until her death in 2024.

It is impossible to overstate Buffy’s impact on First Parish, especially in music, pastoral care, and historical preservation.

Buffy joined First Parish in 1950 at the age of 13 when her family moved from Cambridge to Needham. The Duhig-Howletts were generational Unitarians. At 13, she began singing in the First Parish Choir, remained a faithful member her whole life, and was also a member of the Betty’s Singers choir. Buffy also served on the Music Committee.

We strive to honor Buffy and her dedication to excellence in music in all of our concerts.