“I gladly stood with the rest of the audience in applause and bravi, in joyful acclamation and thanksgiving for the choir’s performance.”
Who We Are
Established in 1945, the Portland Symphonic Choir has carried out this mission for almost eight decades: “To sing choral masterworks with excellence and passion and to engage, educate, and inspire its members and the community.” With a notable reputation and long-standing commitment to the Pacific Northwest, our 100-person chorus includes musicians, students, retirees, and an assortment of working professionals. A central figure in the legacy of choral music in Portland, the Choir achieves excellence in musicianship, celebrates community through music, builds a sustainable musical legacy, and curates an inclusive musical space.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Dr. Alissa Deeter since 2019, the Portland Symphonic Choir continues a reputation of excellence and dedication by creating powerful and accessible choral experiences for all music enthusiasts. Dr. Deeter has prepared the chorus for concerts and major works with ensembles including Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Oregon Festival Orchestra, and in concert with Andrea Bocelli. Additionally, the Portland Symphonic Choir has a long history of commissioning and premiering new works. Most recently in 2020, the ensemble premiered a virtual arrangement of Lift Every Voice, a musical project of solidarity and advocacy with local songwriter Dorcas Smith.
One of the Choir’s lasting traditions is Wintersong, an annual concert that brings together the Choir’s membership and alumni, local high school choirs, and audience-goers in an act of music-making across multiple generations. Wintersong seeks to promote, grow, and diversify the art form by featuring young singers in a concert exploring and celebrating choral music alongside talented and supportive members of the Choir. By connecting choral scholars in high school with this educational arts opportunity, the Choir educates and inspires the next generation of musicians. A proud participant in the Arts for All program, the Choir provides low cost tickets to Oregon Trail Card participants for Wintersong.
The Portland Symphonic Choir engages the Portland area community through its educational programming as well. Local music lovers are invited to sing along with members of the Choir at the Summer Sings Series. At the Series, attendees might delve into the historical context and interpretation of a choral masterwork, or explore a new choral piece by a local composer. This sing-along concert series offers educational opportunities beyond a read-through of music. The Choir’s other educational programming includes the Vocalize and Socialize choral meet -and - greet and the Virtual Masterworks series that reviews great choral literature with world-renown guest conductors and clinicians.