Oregon Chorale

For over 30 years, the Oregon Chorale has delighted audiences in Washington County and the Portland Metro area with community-based, provocative, and emotional programming. Founded by Bernie Kuehn in 1985 and based in Washington County, this 70-voice symphonic choir brings together community members from all walks of life to perform music that enriches and transforms people’s lives. Oregon Chorale gives regular outreach performances in our region and has collaborated with many local organizations including the Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and the Beaverton Symphony.

In addition to a concert season of repertoire spanning various periods, genres, and cultures, Oregon Chorale has an Emerging Voices program committed to fostering the musical development of young people in Washington County. Emerging Voices helps youth discover the joy of music through outreach concerts as well as year-long high school internship positions that include free voice lessons, mentorship, and performance opportunities with the Chorale. Oregon Chorale also features local high school choral programs and other young musical ensembles in many of its concerts, and admission to Oregon Chorale concerts is free to all students under the age of 18.

This March, in collaboration with the Maybelle Community Singers, the Oregon Chorale has produced a concert program to promote awareness of mental health concerns and empower those affected. The program, “Sound Minds,” will include repertoire such as compositions by Bach, works by living composers such as Eric Whitacre, selections from the hit musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” and more. To connect the community with resources and facilitate action, the Oregon Chorale has invited local community resource centers for mental health such as the Hawthorn Walk-In Center to be present at “Sound Minds” performances. Each community partner will have their own staff and booth at the “Sound Minds” concerts on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15.

For more information about Oregon Chorale and its programs, please go to www.oregonchorale.org or call (503) 479-8542.

The Oregon Chorale in concert during summer 2019.

Artistic Director Jason Sabino addresses the audience at the end of an Oregon Chorale concert.

A performance by the Oregon Chorale for a large local audience.