Board

Ann first learned of PCSO when she auditioned and won the English horn position in the orchestra. After joining the Board in 2011, Ann took some time away and is now serving her second stint. In PCSO, Ann recognized the potential for bringing classical orchestral music to people in a more personal and approachable manner. Witnessing the orchestra’s growth in artistic vision over the past 20 years has been a rewarding experience for her. Ann eagerly anticipates what the next 20 years will bring for the orchestra.

Tom joined the Board in 2019 after at least seven years of volunteering with the orchestra—everything from ushering to assisting with concessions and making the coffee. The remarkable quality and creativity of the programs, as well as the friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere of the concerts, drew Tom and his wife to PCSO. They want to help PSCO thrive and become an even more integral part of our community.

Carol joined the PCSO Board when the Pandemic was in full swing in 2020. Anticipating retirement and having spent many years working with performing and fine arts organizations nationwide, she sought a way to stay involved and contribute meaningfully to the arts. After attending the PSCO Gala in 2020, Carol felt sure she had identified the opportunity she wanted to pursue. At the Gala, it had deeply impressed Carol with the high quality of the Orchestra and the warm and welcoming atmosphere she encountered. Seeing PCSO’s potential to deliver an enriching concert music experience to a broader Portland audience, she felt compelled to join the Board to assist with their efforts.

Jackson joined the board in the spring of 2022, driven by a desire to engage with the music community in his hometown. He found PCSO’s mission to be unique in Portland, which motivated him to assist in encouraging people to join the community and partake in the shared enjoyment of accessible orchestral music.

Chalayne served on the Board years ago and savored the music, friendships, and unique experiences she found through PCSO. The opportunity arose for her to rejoin the Board, and she has been delighted to observe how the orchestra has advanced in the intervening years. She looks forward to stimulating concerts and conversations as she serves her term as Treasurer.

Coralynn loves music–pretty much all music. Growing up in and around musical theatre, she finds that live orchestral music ignites emotion and passion like nothing else. In 2020, Coralynn became a Board Member with the hope of motivating people to support the talented musicians of PCSO, ensuring their longevity for future generations.

Aliza Fox has been on the PCSO Board since Fall 2021. Being on the lookout for a new board seat, she wanted to be discerning and find a role that aligned with her passions. Music was introduced to her at an early age, and she began playing piano at just four years old. Developing proficiency, she pursued piano performance studies at Portland State University. While Aliza eventually changed majors and shifted her career path (now a private banker), music has remained a constant in her life. Upon learning of the opportunity to join PCSO, Aliza recognized it as the perfect fit. Little did she know that she would be joining such a remarkable group of individuals and becoming part of the rich history of PCSO.

John has been a member of the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra since 2013. He thoroughly enjoys the opportunities to perform with the orchestra, finding it a fulfilling experience. In the Summer of 2022, John joined the PCSO Board intending to help further the mission of the orchestra for both its audience and its musicians.

Dr. Roberts joined the Board in 2023, bringing with him a strong commitment to sustaining both public and private support for the Orchestra. With his background as a former semi-professional musician in several regional orchestras on the West and East Coast, he deeply appreciates the important role that groups such as the PCSO play in the artistic life of the community.

Alison Roper joined the Board in 2022. She is passionate about music of all genres and is thrilled to have found an organization that brings amazing music to everyone. PCSO makes music accessible, fun, and inspirational. Alison is excited about the future of her partnership with PCSO.

Impressed by several years of attending PCSO concerts, Bill joined the Board, believing that he could contribute meaningfully as a member. Having been long-season ticket holders at symphonies in other locations, Bill and his wife found PCSO as their top choice.

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.” 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. 

Steven is celebrating his 10th season as Music Director of the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra. Also, he serves as the music director of the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra and the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. He conducted the U.S. premiere of Russian violinist Alexander Markov’s Rock Concerto at Carnegie Hall in New York. He was selected by Walt Disney World Entertainment to conduct the 2000 NFL E*TRADE Super Bowl Halftime show, where he performed for a television audience of 88 million fans.

As a passionate advocate for the arts, Steven is sought after for his speeches on the arts, music, and education and has organized collaborations with numerous choruses, chamber music ensembles, and festivals. 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 85,000 children around the country as a conductor of the Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute Link Up orchestral education concerts.

A prolific conductor of opera from grand to contemporary, his performances include Puccini’s La Bohème and a critically acclaimed production of Robert Ward’s The Crucible at the International Vocal Arts Institute in Tel Aviv, Israel; Puccini’s Madama Butterfly with Greensboro Opera; Bizet’s Carmen with Emerald City Opera (Colorado); Copland’s The Tender Land, Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance, and a collaboration with composer Ricky Ian Gordon on his opera “27” with Intermountain Opera (Montana); and Weill’s Street Scene and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance with the Eastman School of Music Opera Theatre. Steven has been a guest conductor at the Pine Mountain Music Festival in Michigan for their productions of Le tragédie de Carmen (Bizet/Brook), a highly acclaimed production of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide, collaborating with the composer’s daughter Jamie Bernstein, and Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. 

Steven is the former associate music director of the Ohio Light Opera, where he conducted over 80 productions and 21 commercial recordings, including repertoire ranging from well- to little-known operas and operettas to blockbuster classic American musical theater works.

In the 2023-2024 season, Steven will conduct over 60 symphonic performances around the U.S., including 12 premieres, and will also conduct ballet productions of The Nutcracker, Giselle, and Coppélia, and the Finals Round of the Cleveland International Piano Competition – Youth Division in July 2023.

Maestro Byess’ podium is sponsored by Grant & Gretchen Hatton and Lindsay & Christopher Kolar

Leading arts organizations to achieve programmatic and financial success is Kevin Irving’s reputation, earned over more than 30 years in the field. A rare dancer whose performance career spanned multiple disciplines, Kevin’s professional history is marked by bold leaps, increasing responsibilities, positive outcomes, and a dynamic personality that aims to help people connect with each other and to their community.

Following a performance career that included work with luminaries such as Alvin Ailey, Twyla Tharp, and notables from classical and contemporary ballet, Irving was invited to join Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato, as rehearsal director and later Associate Director of Compañía Nacional de Danza, in Madrid. He later went on to direct The Göteborg Ballet in Sweden for five years and is credited with turning around the company during his tenure. After returning to the USA in 2007, Irving established a non-profit, I-DANCE, which connected American choreographers and teachers with dance communities in South and Central America.

In 2013 he became the third Artistic Director of Oregon Ballet Theatre, a position that earned Kevin renown in the Northwest arts community. While at OBT, he launched the successful junior company (OBT2), doubled Education/Community Engagement initiatives, led a full re-branding effort, and won praise for multiple artistic and organizational collaborations that produced new audiences. Seventy percent of new ballets commissioned during his tenure were by female or BIPOC-identified choreographers, reflecting Kevin’s attention to the evolution of ballet as an art form in the 21st Century.

Kevin and his partner (now husband) of 31 years, choreographer Nicolo Fonte, enjoy Portland and the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. They combine an active life in the arts with many fresh air activities that involve their cherished mini-pinscher Ziggy.

Photo by Michael Slobodian

Gail joined the PCSO Board as the Orchestra Representative in early 2023. After relocating to the Portland area in 2009, she embarked on a quest to find her musical community, eventually leading her to the PCSO. Since joining as a playing member in 2013, she has found immense joy in being part of the orchestra. Gail appreciates the opportunity to work with the wonderful people on the Board, who make it possible for this fantastic orchestra to exist, and bring tons of exciting and beautiful music to our community.