The Portland Symphonic Girlchoir

The Portland Symphonic Girlchoir began in 1989 with 39 singers. It has grown steadily through the years and now boasts four progressive ensembles with over 160 singers. PSGC is recognized as one of the finest youth music ensembles in the United States as evidenced by frequent invitations to perform with world-class organizations such as the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Youth Philharmonic. PSGC has performed at selected festivals throughout the world with renowned conductors, for regional conventions and as guest artists for international festivals and choral institutes. PSGC frequently tours; performances include the International Children¹s Chorus Festival in Tuscany (1995), the Three Spires Children¹s Choir Festival in Denmark (1993) as well as independent tours to Australia, England and Scotland.

The Girlchoir received the 2003 Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. Girlchoir was selected for this award over a field of choruses located throughout the United States. The award was given to the chorus that demonstrated the most interesting and adventurous programming throughout the 2001-2002 season. Judges looked in particular for the performance of works by contemporary composers.

The Artistic Director

Girlchoir's founding director, Roberta Q. Jackson received her B.A. in Music Education from MacPhail College of Music in Minneapolis, and a M.A. in Music Education from the University of Colorado. She received her Choral Music Experience Institute Artist Teacher Diploma and was selected for membership in the CME Association. She has served as Oregon State President of the American Choral Directors Association

Discography

We're Going Places

Sing Dem Herrn Behold Man O Regem Caeli Praise Him! Salvation Is Created Laudamus E'en So Lord Jesus Quickly Come God Is My Rock The Tabernacle Of God Is With Heaven The Creation Ride The Chariot Selections From The Student Prince Song For Today She Is My Slender Small Love Let No Man Despise Thy Youth Polly Von Widerspruch The Long Day Closes From Boston Harbor Blue World Fiddler's Fare Kiss The Girl Red Head

This 2-CD set features the four Girlchoirs, the Premier Choir, Intermezzo Choir, Debut Choir and Encore Singers in 24 pieces on the first CD, and 14 on the 2nd CD. All pieces are accompanied, by piano, organ, percussion, string quartet and by other instruments. Ably conducted by Roberta Jackson and Debra Burgess, The last 7 selections on the first CD are a "best of" from the Girlchoir's founding in 1989 to 2004 and include a pair of commissioned songs, "Deep Peace, A Gaelic Blessing" and "Spero" (Hope), both written by PSG alumnus Amy C. Burgess. 7 of the pieces on the first CD are sacred Christian pieces, such as Bach's "Christe Eleison from Mass in B Minor" and Rupert Long's "Sanctus from Mass For Many Nations." The Moses-Hogan arranged spiritual "Ride on King Jesus" and his "Music Down In My Soul," Steven Hatfield's "Over the Hills," Gwenyth Walker's "How Can I Keep From Singing" and Lee Kesselman's commission, "Tsvey Taybelekh" (The Two Doves), are particularly fine. Also fine are four movements from Benjamin Britten's "The Little Sweep" from "Lets Make an Opera." A generous, finely-crafted collection from the talented Portland Symphonic Girlchoir.

Just For The Joy Of It

Shepherd's Pipe Carol Cantique de Jean Racine Dixit Dominus Children Blessed of the Lord This Little Babe Chose Something Like a Star Ding Dong Merrily on High el Desembre Congelat Il Est Ne Angels We Have Heard on High Hope for Resolution Donkey Carol Hine Ma Tov Sleigh Ride Jingle Bell Swing I'll Be Home For Christmas Heavenly Aeroplane Winter Wonderland The Christmas Song Silver Bells O Holy Night

Roberta Q. Jackson directs the over 100 strong PSG, accompanied by the Portland Youth Philharmonic. This is a Christmas CD, and there are 21 songs in celebration of Christmas, from sacred (Galuppi's "Dixit Dominus (Psalm 110) Movements, I, II, II") to pop (Elliot's "Jingle Bell Swing"). There are actually 2 choirs here, the Premier Choir of over 100 voices, and the Debut Choir of about 90, and when they sing together on something like "Silver Bells," it's pretty impressive. An excellent Christmas CD, for yourself to enjoy every Christmas, or to give to a loved one.

6588 CD $15.98

Our Heart Sings

Jubilate Deo Into An Unknown Land Colcannon V'eirastich li l'olam Love is Patient, Love Is Kind The Moon Shades Red Camino Caminante Hanerot Halalu Thula Standwa J'entends le moulin The Birth of the Blues Naughty Four O'Clocks Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Il Est Bel Est Bon Den Tod from Christ Las in Todesbanden Dixit Dominus Ode to Music The Birds Badgers and Hedgehogs from Bless the Lord Rattlesnake Skipping Song My Lord, What a Morning City Called Heaven Living in a Holy City

A performance-based music education for girls ages 6 to 18 who love to sing, the 45-strong PSGC was founded in 1989 by Master choral teacher Roberta Jackson, and has performed locally, nationally and internationally to acclaim. "Our Hearts" contains 23 of the Girlchoir's best, highlighting a varied repertoire: 6 songs that were commissions and premiered by the group, 4 World music, 3 Jazz and Swing, 7 old and new Classics, and finishing with 3 Gospel tunes. Most songs are piano or organ accompanied, some with flute and percussion. Some of our favorites are Stephen Hatfield's lilting a cappella "Colcannon," and his accompanied "Camino Caminante" and "Living in a Holy City." "J'entends le moulin," the Kirby Shaw arranged "The Birth of the Blues," Michael Haydn's "Dixit Dominus," Andrew Carter's "Badgers and Hedgehogs from Bless the Lord," and the Gospel tune "City Called Heaven." Powerful material, beautifully and freshly sung by the talented PSGC!

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