Secular Choir Free Key Draws 1,100 to Grace Cathedral
Free Key Choir, a secular DIY ensemble, performed for a sold-out audience of over 1,100 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on July 10, 2026. Founded by conductor Derek Sup in October 2022, the choir sings original songs written and arranged by its members, blending genres from synth-pop to a cappella. The group has grown to about 125 members, rehearsing weekly at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland. Sup describes the choir as 'creating church for nonreligious people.' The performance included original singles like 'Ghost Drawn' and 'Your Life is The Wheel.' Members also serve as ushers and sell merchandise, maintaining a grassroots identity. The choir has expanded beyond the Bay Area, touring the Pacific Northwest in September 2026 and scheduled to perform at First Congregational Church in Los Angeles on August 29. Alto Kira Joy Williams, who moved from Brooklyn, said the choir provided a welcoming community. Co-conductor Nuxia Peng, who joined as a pianist, described conducting their own composition 'I Had To Run' as healing. Space constraints may soon limit new signups.
Key facts
- Free Key Choir performed for a sold-out audience at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on July 10, 2026.
- The choir is secular and performs original songs written by its members.
- Conductor Derek Sup founded the choir in October 2022.
- The choir has about 125 members.
- Rehearsals are held every Monday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oakland.
- The choir toured the Pacific Northwest in September 2026.
- A performance is scheduled at First Congregational Church in Los Angeles on August 29.
- Space constraints at St. Paul Lutheran Church may limit new signups.
Entities
Artists
- Derek Sup
- Kira Joy Williams
- Nuxia Peng
Institutions
- Free Key Choir
- Grace Cathedral
- St. Paul Lutheran Church
- First Congregational Church
Locations
- San Francisco
- Oakland
- Bay Area
- Pacific Northwest
- Los Angeles
- Emeryville
- Brooklyn