Choir performing on stage with conductor, audience watching.

Northwest Vocal Arts

A Portland-based choral organization uniting professional artists and young singers through musical excellence and mentorship.

Headshot of a smiling man wearing glasses, a black shirt, and a blue plaid tie, against a black background.

About Northwest Vocal Arts

Northwest Vocal Arts (NWVA) is a non-profit choral organization committed to musical excellence and community outreach with a primary focus on youth mentorship.

At our core is a professional chamber choir made up of some of the region’s finest vocal musicians who are not only committed to achieving the highest caliber of choral performance, but who are also passionate about mentorship. We call on all of our singers to be models, contributing to the community through their artistry, ongoing mentorship of young singers, and the creation and delivery of outreach and education initiatives

Driven by a collaborative spirit, we endeavor to seek new and innovative ways to bring people together through artistry by removing barriers and creating accessible and enjoyable experiences for everyone.
— Dr. Sam Barbara, Executive Artistic Director

Rehearsal for NWVA's FREE Youth Choir Starts Sept. 14 | Sign Up Today!

Rehearsal for NWVA's FREE Youth Choir Starts Sept. 14 | Sign Up Today!

Sing with Us

A group of choir singers holding sheet music and singing, dressed in black, with a focus on a woman with red hair and drop earrings in the foreground.

The NWVA Olympia Chamber Choir is a 32-voice ensemble comprising 16 of the region’s finest vocal professionals, eight high school choral interns, and eight collegiate choral scholars.

Olympia Chamber Choir

Group of diverse women wearing black masks and black clothing, singing or listening intently during a performance or event.

The Evergreen Youth Choir (EYC), under the direction of Karen Bohart, is a 100% tuition-free choral opportunity for all students in grades 8 - 12, regardless of prior choir experience.

Evergreen Youth Choir

A choir of diverse young adults singing in a concert hall, holding sheet music, with a conductor's hand visible in the foreground.

Each year, NWVA selects eight Choral Interns in grades 10 - 12 to sing with and be mentored by the Olympia Chamber Choir, while also serving as section leaders for EYC.

Choral Internships

Support Northwest Vocal Arts

Your donation ensures students throughout Portland and beyond have accessible, high-quality, and inclusive vocal opportunities through tuition-free youth choirs, choral internships, and more.

Thank you for supporting our mission. Please donate today.