Choral music is generally defined as music performed by an ensemble of singers. The term choir is usually used to denote and ensemble associated with a church or that performs only sacred music. A group that has no religious affiliation or performs mostly secular music is often called a chorus.  Both terms, in modern usage, are for most purposes interchangeable.

In Oregon, there are three general groupings of choral ensembles: church choirs, amateur choirs and professional ensembles. Amateur and church choirs will occasionally have a small cadre of paid singers, whereas a professional ensemble consists entirely of paid singers.  There a very few professional choirs in Oregon.

Notable Amateur Choirs in Oregon:

• Portland Symphonic Choir
• Oregon Repertory Singers
• Portland Gay Men's Chorus
• Capella Romana
• Cantores in Ecclesia (associated with the Archdiocese of Portland)

Notable Professional Choirs in Oregon:

• Portland Opera Chorus

Aaron Nelson