Portland Symphonic Girlchoir

Welcome to the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir, a vibrant community where young artists can experience the joy of music and the thrill of performance. Founded in 1989, we have been providing unparalleled global performance experiences and choral music education to girls from the Portland metro and Southwest Washington area for 34 years. Our award-winning ensembles have delighted and inspired audiences both locally and internationally, earning recognition as one of the finest children's choral ensembles in North America.

Under the direction of our esteemed co-conductors, Roberta Q. Jackson and Debra D. Burgess, the Girlchoir offers a unique, caring, and inclusive environment that empowers our singers to find their distinct voice today and for the future. With a focus on artistic excellence and collaborative experiences, our young artists receive a well-rounded musical education that goes beyond the surface and extends into various aspects of life.

Our Ensembles and Programs

The Portland Symphonic Girlchoir consists of four progressive ensembles, each uniting weekly from over 90 schools in the Portland metro and Southwest Washington area. Our ensembles range from TrebleMakers, our entry-level choir for young singers, to Premier, our elite ensemble of top-performing artists. We welcome singers of all ages and skill levels, fostering a nurturing and inclusive community where every girl can thrive and grow as a musician.

Throughout the year, our ensembles receive the benefit of a collaborative co-conductor model, along with the expert guidance of our skilled pianists, Rodney Menn and Tim Ribner. This unique approach offers our singers a diverse musical experience, exposing them to a wide range of choral repertoire and teaching styles.

Award-Winning Repertoire

Our commitment to adventurous programming has set us apart as a leader in choral music education. We are proud recipients of the prestigious Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming in both 2015 and 2003, as well as a National Endowment for the Arts Grant in 2010. We are dedicated to premiering new works, with over 45 world premieres commissioned to date. Our repertoire spans various genres and cultures, providing our singers with a rich and inspiring musical experience.

Community and Alumnae

Our vibrant community extends beyond our ensembles, reaching out to our 2,000 alumnae, who are empowered by their artistic excellence, collaborative experiences, and unique Girlchoir education. These remarkable young women carry their distinct voices and the values of cooperation, leadership, and curiosity into their future endeavors, making a difference in the world and inspiring the next generation of Girlchoir singers.

Join us in our 36th season and be a part of this extraordinary community. Together, we can create a unique and inclusive space where young artists can shine and empower their voices for a lifetime.