SFYCA Alum releases fifth album

Lisa Forkish (SFYCA alum, 2001-2003) is a queer singer-songwriter, teacher and artivist, whose vocal arranging and music directing work has been showcased alongside Kehlani, Ben Harper, Michael Franti and Pentatonix. A SFYCA alum, raised in Eugene, OR, Lisa’s stint as director of her college a cappella group Divisi was the inspiration for the film Pitch Perfect and she was previously …

Katie Simon: SFYCA Activity Director Extraordinaire

SFYCA Activity Directors are the glue that hold everything together as they interface with SFYCA’s talented faculty and SFYCA’s up-and-coming participants. Katie Simon is SFYCA’s one of the longest-serving AD as she has held the AD title for over 7 years. As a member of a musical family, Katie is the fourth Simon sibling to …

SFYCA Profile – Sarah Brauer

Over the last two decades, Sarah has enjoyed a varied career of opera, oratorio, choral and recital performance. As part of the OBF 2020 Radio Festival, we are excited to feature this lovely tribute by Sarah Brauer, SFYCA alumna (2000, 2001) and now professional classical singer. Sarah earned her Master of Music degree from Rice …

Artistic Director Search Update – September 2022

Dear OBF fans: We’re writing with an update on the Oregon Bach Festival artistic director search. As you know, we had a slate of three candidates visit us this summer – each of whom showcased their best work in concert halls and classrooms around Eugene. As the Festival ended, the search committee convened and made …

A Musical Dream Comes True

SFYCA alum, Maddie Smoot (2017-2018) shares her musical journey and how SFYCA had such an impact on her desire to become a vocal music educator Maddie Smoot grew up in Longmont, Colorado and attended her first season with SFYCA in 2017 as a junior in high school. Like many others before her, she was immediately …

The Barton Brothers bring Classic Showtunes to Colorado Audiences

SFYCA alum, Jack Barton (’10, ’11) along with his brother Dan share their joys of working together and how SFYCA helped shaped his path to success Classically trained pianists and self-proclaimed childhood choir nerds, brothers Dan and Jack grew up sharing stereos, piano teachers, and bunk beds. Growing up in Fort Collins, Colorado they developed …

OBF COVID-19 Updates

Updated: 6/14/22 at 12:45pm In accordance with state mandates, OBF performance spaces do not require face masks, proof of vaccination, or negative COVID test for entry. However, given the rise in Lane County COVID cases, the University of Oregon recommends individuals wear masks indoors when around other people. These policies are subject to change as the Festival progresses. Hult Center …

Finding Success Through Balance

SFYCA alum, Nicholas Meyer (’04, ’05, ’06) shares the importance of staying positive, maintaining a good attitude, and having fun – in music and in life! SFYCA alum Nicholas Meyer (’04, ’05, ’06) is an in-demand baritone, artistic co-director of Opera Theater Oregon, and teacher of a flourishing voice and piano studio of 40+ students …

Kazem Abdullah Announced as Artistic Director Finalist

The Oregon Bach Festival (OBF) Artistic Director Search Committee is pleased to announce Kazem Abdullah as the newest candidate for the OBF artistic director position. Abdullah will conduct Bach’s Mass in B Minor on June 21 and present a modern chamber orchestra concert on June 18, which includes Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1, contemporary composer Jessie …