Portland Bach Experience (PBE) enlivens, strengthens, and connects communities by creating world-class, immersive classical music experiences for everyone.
We believe live music bridges generations, connects friends, and strengthens communities. That’s why we program a wide range of events for people of all ages and interests, including full orchestral performances, intimate salons in private homes and art galleries, public sing-alongs, outdoor performances, educational lectures, and hands-on events for children.
Portland Bach Experience began in 2017 as a week-long festival in June, and has expanded to include an October weekend festival, as well as other classical music events throughout the year.
In 2020, Portland Bach Experience became a program of Classical Uprising, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering a bold rethinking of the classical music experience through immersive events, performances, and educational programs. Classical Uprising’s programs include Portland Bach Experience, Oratorio Chorale, and Horizon Voices, which combined serve over 120 adult amateur singers, 70 young musicians, 60 professional artists, and more than 8,000 audience members.
Classical Uprising
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael Boyd, President
Peter Griffin, Vice President
Barbara Nash, Treasurer
Richard Van Bergen, Secretary
Paul Allen
William Doughty
Marshall Green
Anneliese Guzman-Bass
Daniel Nitsch
Ryan O’Neil
John Todd
ADVISORY BOARD
Lynne Beasley
Phyllis Givertz
Ruth Hartt
Jamie Isaacson
Annie Leahy
Isabel Lowell
Sandy Kauffman
Sharon Miller
Donna Rubin
Kenneth Spirer
Jane Swenson
Lucie Teegarden
Scott Wheatley
Aislinn Kelly White
STAFF
Emily Isaacson
Founder and Artistic Director
Emily Southard
Managing Director
Meagan Brus
Program Coordinator