University campus or arboretum? Yes!
picfest was blessed to have a home on the tree covered campus of the University of Oregon. The 150 year-old college is:
- the alma-mater of Nike founder Phil Knight
- home to the only official collegiate Disney mascot (Donald Duck, aka Puddles)
- covered in a whopping 4,000 trees!
Non-Competitive Atmosphere
What made picfest special, among everything listed above, was our commitment to a warm and welcoming culture. After eliminating competition from our format, we fostered a Gratitude Attitude by honoring everyone’s contribution, noticing magical moments of musical discovery, and agreeing to celebrate the joy of choral singing as one.
Deeper connections = deeper musical experience
We were not your average choir festival. With an abundance of rehearsal time, we made sure to dig deep into the music. That means in six days, we achieved maximum benefit in both artistic interpretations and personal connections with each song.
Chorus ends with "us"
“I made so many friends that I still keep in touch with today.” - 2001 picfest participant
When we work alongside our peers doing what we love, it’s simply impossible not to build connections. This is why the picfest experience was so special to the choristers. After a week of music-making, strangers became friends and lifelong connections were made.
Making music history:
be a Singer-Patron
The picfest Commissions Project made every chorus member a Singer Patron in commissioning AND singing the world premiere. To top it off, the Singer Patrons were recognized in the published score and by name on the web page dedicated to each project. This innovative model created a unique connection between composer, performer and the world.
Amazing conductors, open hearts, magic.
As part of our commitment to excellence, each summer we invited the best of the best to our podium. After 26 years of this tradition, our roster of guest conductors reads like a Who’s Who of the youth choral movement: Bob Chilcott, Sandra Snow, Andrea Ramsey, Henry Leck, Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, Susan Brumfield, Lynn Gackle, Rebecca Rottsolk, Doreen Rao, Axel Theimer, and Judith Willoughby.
Unmatched quality for exceptional value.
We liked to say that you can arrive at picfest with a nickel in your pocket and fully participate in the festival without having to spend it.
As a festival created by choral conductors, we were very attentive to issues that help make touring the smoothest experience possible. Therefore, unlike some events that have many times during the schedule in which each choir is responsible for meals, activities, etc., the festival pricing for picfest covered everything that a singer or adult needed to participate fully in the week.
"picfest is a treasure among youth choral festivals with its wonderfully non-competitive atmosphere, its rich collaboration with the renowned Oregon Bach Festival, and the way it puts young singers and their experience first."
— Henry Leck
