Dr. Alissa Deeter, Artistic Director

Dr. Alissa Deeter is a distinguished soprano and conductor known for her dynamic performances and innovative interpretations across a broad spectrum of musical genres. Alissa’s solo recording entitled Hier: Mélodies of Francis Poulenc can be downloaded from multiple music services  and she can also be heard on the Albany Records recording From the Heartland. As the conductor of the Portland Symphonic Choir, Alissa is celebrated for her vibrant leadership which includes fresh perspectives on familiar works and a focus on creating a cohesive and dynamic choral sound. Under her baton the choir has continued its reputation of high-caliber performances, collaborating with celebrated artistic organizations in the Portland area including the Portland Youth Philharmonic, Push/Fold Dance Company, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the Oregon Symphony. 

Alissa is also a dedicated educator and throughout her career has contributed to the music community through various initiatives including outreach programs, workshops, and masterclasses. Her commitment to expanding the reach of music and nurturing the next generation of performers has been a hallmark of her professional life. Alissa’s reputation as a soprano and conductor is marked by her exceptional commitment to the arts and her influence on both her students and the broader music community. 

Claire Robertson-Preis, Operations Manager

Claire Robertson-Preis is a mezzo-soprano, arts administrator, and educator committed to revitalizing vocal music as a means for connection through performance and innovative productions. Originally from Missoula, MT. and Boerne, TX., Claire earned double Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and Russian from the University of Montana in 2016 and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from West Virginia University in 2019. As a choral musician, Claire is on Portland Symphonic Choir’s roster and has performed with Resonance Ensemble; other recent appearances in Portland include Norah/Alto Chorus in Renegade Opera's innovative outdoor production of Orfeo in Underland and Second Lady in Aquilon Music Festival’s production of The Magic Flute.  Claire also served as music director for RHS Opening Act Theatre’s Mamma Mia! and Failure: A Love Story. Selected credits from Claire’s time as a soprano include: Sam-I-Am in the WV Opera Outreach program of Green Eggs and Ham, and First Lady in the WVU Mainstage production of The Magic Flute (2019). Claire’s non-musical interests include: literature and poetry, horseback riding and hiking.

mollie solow mcreynolds, Soprano Section Leader

Mollie Solow McReynolds is a soprano and voice teacher with a commitment to teaching healthy vocal technique and strong mind-body connection. Originally from Ojai, CA and the Bay Area, Mollie holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from San Francisco State University. She continued her studies at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she earned both a Master’s Degree and a graduate certificate in Vocal Pedagogy. Mollie is also a certified yoga teacher and frequently leads the choir in yoga warm-ups designed for the choral singer. As a performer, Mollie has been seen in the roles of The Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute, Despina in Così fan tutte, and Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance. Most recently she was Madame Silberklang in The Impresario with Livermore Valley Opera’s outreach program. Mollie lives in Lake Oswego with her husband, Ryan, and two daughters.

Jesse A. Preis, Tenor Section Leader

Jesse Preis is a tenor, pianist, and composer, originally from Emblem, Wyoming. Jesse graduated from the University of Montana in 2016 with a BM in Piano Performance & Pedagogy and a BA in Vocal Performance and studied voice abroad in Graz, Austria (The American Institute of Musical Studies) during the summers of 2016. In 2019, Jesse completed an M.M. Vocal Performance at West Virginia University. After relocating to Portland, Jesse has worked as a piano teacher at Hoffman Academy and Lydian Music Studios, the Director of Music Ministry at Prince of Life Lutheran Church and St Stephen Lutheran Church, and as a freelance accompanist. Most recently, in the summer of 2022, Jesse performed as the pianist for Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito (Renegade Opera). Jesse also collaborated with mezzo Claire Robertson-Preis in a 2018 performance of Schumann’s Frauenliebe und -leben. Their recent vocal performances include a complete staged recital of Winterreise, performed in 2018, and a chamber rendition of Vaughan Williams’ Four Hymns, performed in 2019. Jesse has also appeared as Perry in Orfeo in Underland (Renegade Opera), Parpignol in La boheme Warhola (Pittsburgh Festival Opera), the First Priest and Armored Guard in The Magic Flute (WVU), and roles in numerous opera scenes productions.

Emma bergman, Alto Section Leader

Emma Bergman is the alto section leader for the Portland Symphonic Choir. She is from La Grange Park, Illinois, where she sang in several choirs. In 2020, she graduated with a Bachelors of Music in music education from St. Olaf College, in Northfield, Minnesota, where she sang with the Manitou Singers, St. Olaf Chamber Choir, and the St. Olaf Choir. For three years, she taught middle and high school choir for the Tillamook School District. Her work in Tillamook was recognized by the Oregon chapter of the American Choral Directors Association in 2023 when she received the Emerging Conductor Award. She currently teaches choir at Tumwata Middle School in Oregon City.  She lives in Portland with her roommate and her roommate's dog, and spends her free time hiking, crocheting, and practicing piano. 

Stephen Lewis, Pianist

Phill Hurley, Bass Section Leader

Phill is originally from Caldwell, Idaho. He started leading singing at church at a young age and always knew he wanted to be a music teacher when he grew up. He attended Columbia Christian College in Portland, Oregon, where he studied voice under Dick Dalzell. He has been teaching music in the David Douglas school district since 1986 and is currently teaching general music at Gilbert Heights Elementary. Phill has performed with Portland Choral Cross-Ties under the direction of Dr. Bruce Browne and now sings Male Ensemble Northwest, Phoenix Choir and Choro in Schola (Choir in Schools). He teaches private voice to high school students and has been a guest soloist at several churches in the Portland area. He and his wife Kim live in Portland with their children.