| MISSION AND VALUES
Portland Columbia Symphony cultivates and champions a diverse community of musicians and audiences through affordable and accessible performances. We value excellence, community, personal connection, and accessibility.
ABOUT PORTLAND COLUMBIA SYMPHONY
Since its founding in 1982, Portland Columbia Symphony (PCSO) has become a staple of Portland’s vibrant arts scene, bringing together more than 60 paid core musicians to perform a classical subscription series featuring local, regional, and internationally acclaimed guest artists
and works by living composers to audiences in Portland and East Multnomah County. In addition to the full orchestra series, PCSO promotes the artistic visions of its players through collaborations and projects, providing mentorship opportunities, administrative and monetary resources, and video and audio recording equipment. The orchestra frequently presents livestream performances by PCSO chamber ensembles in virtual concerts and also supports
projects such as the original online 16-episode music series titled “Meet the Instruments” created by PCSO bassoonist, contrabassoonist, and composer Nicole Buetti — a series that has garnered over 1 million views to date. This season, the orchestra will present a new sensory-friendly family program in partnership with the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir and Earth Tones, a local music therapy organization. Programming regularly juxtaposes masterpieces and standards of the symphonic repertoire and the music of under-represented composers, guided
by the belief that concert experiences should be culturally and locally relevant to all Oregonians. PCSO is currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary season under the inspired leadership of music director Steven Byess. The PCSO is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors and has 2 full-time and 2 part-time staff.
Steven Byess, Music Director
Currently celebrating his 8th season as music director of the Portland Columbia Symphony, Steven Byess is a dynamic and passionate conductor, hailed by critics as “masterful and brilliant,” “creating the epitome of instrumental elegance,” and capturing “the full spirit and
vitality of the score perfectly.” In addition to his role with the PCSO, Steven is also the music director of the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra and the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Recognized for his musical versatility, multi-faceted presence on the podium, and passion for music education, he is devoted to promoting a life-long love and enthusiasm for music and the arts. He is a prolific conductor of opera, operetta, musical theatre, and ballet,
leading multiple productions each season across the U.S. As a passionate advocate for the arts, Steven is sought after for his speeches on the arts, music, and education. He wrote and co-directed a PBS presentation, Count On It!, designed to connect music and mathematics for children grades K-3. Since 2013, he has shared this passion with over 80,000 children around the country as a conductor of the Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute Link Up orchestra education concerts.
More information about the PCSO can be found at pcsymphony.org.
PCSO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
PCSO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
The Executive Director is responsible for the consistent achievement of the organization’s mission
and financial objectives, and oversees its day-to-day operations. Key goals include building the
PCSO brand; developing audiences; increasing earned and contributed revenues; expanding the
donor base; supporting a high quality artistic product in close connection with the Music Director;
managing the budget; overseeing staff to empower them to productively and creatively move the
vision of PCSO forward; and engaging the Board of Directors as advocates and fundraisers for
PCSO. Complete job description available upon request. COMPENSATION
? $64,000 - $70,000 annual salary, based on experience |
