Staff
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Hilary Butler
Executive Director
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Hilary Butler has spent her career working with performing arts organizations as an administrator, performer, and director. Prior to her work with PBO, she served as Executive Director of Westrick Music Academy in Princeton, NJ for 11 years, producing national and international performances partnering with artists from Michael Bublé to Joyce DiDonato and Il Pomo d’Oro. Prior to this, she served as Managing Director of Bella Voce, Chicago’s premiere professional chamber choir and leader in early music and historical performance practices. She has previously worked with Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Bellevue Youth Theatre, in addition to six years as Director of Choral Activities in public schools in Utah and Oregon. Outside the performing arts, she has consulted with both domestic and international businesses in a variety of industries and in fundraising at the University of Chicago, raising money from major donors for cancer research.
An accomplished vocalist and conductor in her own right, Ms. Butler has performed with a number of professional choral, musical theater, and classical music organizations. She is a national clinician and adjudicator, and has performed as a soloist and choral singer on three continents. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.
503-222-6000 ext. 103
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Andrea Hess
Director of Operations
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A native Oregonian, Andrea lettered in choir at her high school in Tigard, Oregon, not knowing it would set her on the path toward PBO and a fulfilling career as an arts administrator. Her love of music inspired her to earn a BM in Vocal Performance from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and an MA in Musicology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia. Returning to Portland in 1999, Andrea tried her luck working in the high-tech sector until that luck ran out during the dotcom crash. However, in March 2003 she applied for an open position with Portland Baroque Orchestra and happily found her true calling – producing concerts and working with world class musicians.
After more than 20 years at PBO filled with countless Messiahs, as well as concerts featuring Vivaldi, Mozart and Bach, some of her most memorable programs include Monica Huggett’s Four Seasons Tour in 2015, the St. John Passion Tour and recording project in 2011, Hana Blazikova and Bruce Dickey’s chamber program “Breathtaking” in 2016, and Gary Wedow’s Messiah in 2016 where there was an ice storm before the dress rehearsal and we lucky few got to hear “The Oboe Shall Sound” sung by Dashon Burton.
Away from PBO, Andrea enjoys cooking all kinds of cuisines, notably Thai, Korean, and Indian. She is an active participant in three book groups including a PBO book group she started in 2018. Her truest passion, other than PBO, is travel, and her most recent favorite spots have included Budapest, Hong Kong, and George Town, Malaysia.
503-222-6000 ext. 101
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Brian Edwards
Patron Services & Operations Manager
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Brian is a Pacific Northwest native who has called Portland home for most of his life. Brian's interests span a wide spectrum, from indulging in the beauty of live music to his love of running and the excitement of soccer and baseball games. He's an avid explorer of cities, a connoisseur of great food, and a frequent visitor to farmers markets, where he delights in the local bounty. He’s an avid concertgoer who appreciates the magic of live performance (with a special fondness for Baroque music and orchestral performances). Brian's love for the arts extends beyond the concert hall, and he shares his life, interests, and enthusiasm with his partner of 10 years, Arwen.
With over five years of experience in the arts, Brian is an invaluable member of the Portland Baroque Orchestra team. In his role as Patron Services & Operations Manager, Brian shines brightest when engaging with our cherished patrons. He is the friendly face behind the scenes, ensuring that every aspect of your experience with us is seamless and enjoyable.
Brian's passion for the performing arts and dedication to creating unforgettable moments for our patrons are the driving forces that energize him every day. Brian is at the heart of our patron experience, making every visit to the Portland Baroque Orchestra a memorable one.
503-222-6000 ext. 100
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Krystal Peak
Marketing Manager
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Krystal Peak has more than 12 years of marketing, public relations, and communications experience. Krystal got her start in the world of business journalism when she became the San Francisco Business Times’ first social engagement manager and eventually created and filled the role of multimedia producer where she was able to create online multimedia projects highlighting some of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has also worked in public relations for tech startups, food technology companies, car companies, and green energy innovators.
Krystal most recently assisted in elevating the profile of several nonprofit organizations, including the Sacramento LGBT Center and Our Family Coalition. Her deep passion for unique storytelling and commitment to creating new revenue opportunities was a great boon to the organizations she worked with.
Outside of her duties as a marketing expert and storyteller, you can find Krystal exploring the trails and parks of Portland with her adventurous toddler and her rambunctious Goldendoodle Bruno.
Krystal is excited to introduce more of Portland’s culture seekers to the magic and excitement that Portland Baroque Orchestra has to offer. “There’s such fertile ground here to explore and uncover in the world of baroque performance. I can’t wait to tell our stories!”
503-222-6000 ext. 104
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Megan Thorpe
Development & Production Coordinator
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Megan Thorpe was born and raised in Beaverton (a suburb of Portland) and has always had music inside her. Her mother always joked that she could sing before she could talk, but maybe it was true! Megan has enjoyed singing in choirs all throughout childhood and into college. She spent 6 years in the Pacific Youth Choir, and studied at Arts & Communications Magnet Academy (ACMA) in Beaverton – both of which encouraged her artistic side to shine. Megan graduated from Pacific University in 2016, where she studied both Music and Theatre, and discovered her love of backstage.
Megan worked for over 8 years as a professional Stage Manager in Portland, working with companies such as Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland Opera, Chamber Music Northwest, and Portland Baroque Orchestra! After 5 years of Stage Managing for PBO, she is thrilled to be joining the team full-time.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys board games, and any craft project she can get her hands on. Her current favorites are cross-stitching, and the board game “Calico”. She can also be found lounging with her husband and dog watching classic Disney movies.
503-222-6000 ext. 102
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Additional Staff
Adaiha MacAdam-Somer (she/her), Orchestra Librarian .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Micki Selvitella (she/her), Front of House Manager .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)