Collaboration
The Portland Symphonic Choir presents its own concert series in addition to regular performances as the official chorus of the Oregon Symphony, through which the choir reaches upwards of 15,000 music lovers each year. The Choir has also appeared frequently with other groups, including the Portland Youth Philharmonic, the Cascade Festival of Music, the Oregon Ballet Theater, and the Boston Pops.Steven Zopfi, Artistic Director
Hailed as one of the leading young conductors in the Pacific Northwest, Steven Zopfi is in his fourth year as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Portland Symphonic Choir, the official chorus of the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, and he serves on the faculty of Pacific Lutheran University. Critics have hailed his work as "magical" and "superb" and the PSC under his direction have been greeted with rave reviews for their "strong disciplined performances" that "glow with mysticism and passion." During his tenure the Portland Symphonic Choir has become one of the few symphonic choirs on the West coast with a core of professional singers and the choir is becoming known for its adventurous programs including premieres of new music by James MacMillan, Salvador Brotons, and Bryan Johanson. Outreach Programs
The Portland Symphonic Choir is committed to promoting excellence in the tradition of choral music through education and outreach. In 1989, the Choir inaugurated a GirlChoir for girls aged 8 to 18 years of age. In 1994, the Choir created a BoyChoir for voices aged 9 to 18. Both children's ensembles have flourished and become independent of the Choir, performing their own concert seasons and sustaining an excellent level of musical training and enrichment.Tours
The Portland Symphonic Choir tours regularly and has enjoyed exchanges with the Arsis Chamber Choir of Tallinn, Estonia, resulting in exchange performances in Estonia (1991 and 1994) and Oregon (1991 and 1993). In 2001, the Choir sang Mozart's Requiem at the famed Rudolfinum Concert Hall in Prague and participated in a 2-week tour of the Czech Republic. Earlier, in 1982 and 1985, members participated in the Europa Cantat, first in Belgium and second in France.
Innovations
Our collaborations with numerous composers, directors and performing groups have led to artistic innovations and triumphs. The choir has commissioned pieces from local and internationally known composers such as Salvador Brotons, Brian Johanson, Stephen Paulus and Tomas Svoboda. We have performed with Dave Brubeck and his jazz quartet, appeared as special guests of the Boston Pops Orchestra and teamed with the Oregon Ballet Theatre.Guest Conductors
The choir has been a regular guest of the Cascade Music Festival in Bend, Oregon, under the baton of Murry Sidlin. Additionally, the choir has performed under such noted conductors as Robert Shaw, Margaret Hillis, James DePreist, Carlos Kalmar, Anton Armstrong and Eric Erickson. Last season, we sang for the batons of Karen Thomas, Salvador Brotons, Carlos Kalmar, Yaacov Berman and our own Steven Zopfi. This coming season, we will be treated to the pranks and horseplay of Peter Schickele!Singing as a Way of Life
The Portland Symphonic Choir provides an opportunity for its singing members and audiences to participate in the well-beloved art form of Choral Music.
According to a new national study by Chorus America, nearly 28.5 million adults and children regularly perform in choral groups in the United States, more than any other art form. Choral singing, the report indicates, has such broad appeal because it provides an unsurpassed opportunity for singers to "participate in an activity that involves them artistically, builds community, enhances their skills, and results in a product of great beauty." We are pleased to present our new concert season, and we hope you will join us in celebrating this art that so much enriches our lives and can enrich yours equally. Audition
Membership in the Portland Symphonic Choir is based upon stringent auditions in which current and prospective members must demonstrate vocal excellence, musicianship and proficiency at sight-reading. If you would like to audition, please visit our audition page.Staff and Board of Directors
The Choir is supported by an Administrative Staff and by five committees chaired by members of the Choir's Board of Directors. Members of the Board chair the five committees that operate to fulfill the short and long-term goals of the Choir. These are the Strategic Planning Committee, Development Committee, Marketing Committee, Finance Committee, and Artistic Development.Enjoy!
We welcome you to experience the Portland Symphonic Choir as it crosses the threshold to a new era and fulfills its mission:Singing the great works of choral music with excellence and passion!