A Family Tradition: Mark & Noelle Goodenberger on Sharing the Stage in Messiah

For many Portland Baroque Orchestra fans, Messiah is a cherished annual ritual. For percussionist Mark Goodenberger and his daughter, soprano Noelle Goodenberger, it’s something even more profound: a musical thread woven through their family’s life.

We sat down with them to talk about family musicianship, beloved traditions, the endurance required for Messiah, and what it means to make music together after decades of shared history.

Mark, you’ve performed Messiah countless times. What keeps the piece alive for you?

Mark: Yes, I stopped counting after 200 Messiah performances. For me, Messiah is a ritual. I only play three movements, but I’m onstage the whole time to keep the drums in tune. Each year, the experience shifts. So much can impact the performances, depending on the weather, the conductor, and the atmosphere in the group. Jos [van Veldhoven] is a brilliant musician, and working under him keeps the piece fresh. I try to relax and let the mood of the ensemble guide me.

Noelle, you have experienced Messiah many times, but have performed it far fewer times than your dad. What is it like stepping into such a legendary tradition?

Noelle: There’s something almost mythic about singing this work—it takes you through so many emotional highs and lows. There is a point in Messiah where everyone is hanging on the alto as she brings you down so low, you feel like you’ve gone through hell, and you come out exhausted and transformed. It’s like “bam, bam, bam,” and I look forward to those moments when we really take everyone on a journey.
But the intimacy of PBO’s ensemble makes it beautiful; if I were singing this with a massive 100-piece orchestra and choir, I don’t think I’d enjoy it as much. The scale here allows you to feel the story deeply and personally. It feels special, and I’m looking forward to experiencing it again with all of you.

How do your individual experiences with Messiah shape how you approach the music?

Mark: Weather changes everything for percussion—humidity and temperature affect tuning, so preparation means staying flexible. Beyond that, I let the conductor’s approach shape the performance. Jos is demanding, but he delivers something extraordinary every time.

Noelle: Every conductor and every set of soloists changes the energy. What I’ve had to learn is vocal stamina—three hours is no joke. Vocal care becomes personal accountability. Right before a performance, I need a moment of quiet to reconnect with the part of me that loves this story; otherwise, I won’t be grounded.

Do either of you have a movement or moment that feels especially meaningful?

Mark: Absolutely—the Amen. Some conductors pull back dramatically, and when I enter with that strong beat and ornamentation, it can be electrifying. And I love the choral fugue before that moment.

Noelle: There’s a moment when the choir sings a cappella, and the violins echo us—that is so precious to me. And then my dad enters on percussion, and that connection is really special. I also love the chorales after “He is despised”—they have this light, slightly quirky character that I find delightful.

Noelle, what was it like growing up with professional musician parents?
Noelle: My parents showed me their love for music without ever telling me how I “should” love it. I was that kid running through the pews during Messiah and absorbing it as something joyful and playful—not just serious work. That foundation allowed me to choose music for myself later. And now, when I perform with musicians who have worked with my parents, it feels like stepping into a lineage of shared stories.

Mark: We always had music playing—at home, on road trips, everywhere. I tried to make sure the joy of music was always present. When Noelle was little, we’d record on a four-track machine, make goofy songs, and just create. She’s a wonderful songwriter; watching her grow into her many talents has been inspiring.

Were there any musical “family rules” passed down to you?

Mark: If it’s not fun, don’t do it. And if you have to do something, find the fun in it. Staying connected to joy helps with nerves and keeps the work meaningful.

Noelle: I always watched my dad ground himself before performing—quietly connecting with the music. He didn’t teach it explicitly, but I absorbed that. Right before I go onstage, the only thing that matters is being fully present.

What do you admire about each other’s musicianship?

Noelle: My dad’s ability to stay grounded and connected to the music is something I aspire to. There’s a steadiness in his artistry that I really admire.

Mark: Noelle brings this incredible blend of curiosity, creativity, and emotional honesty. She’s fearless about exploring new genres, and her musical instincts are sharp and joyful.

Finally, what advice would you give young musicians or musical families?

Noelle: Let kids engage with music in whatever way feels natural—movement, excitement, stillness, anything. Music isn’t something to gatekeep. A friend brought her three-year-old to PBO’s All Ages Concert, and the second the music started, the kids were totally centered and thrilled. That’s what we should nurture.

Mark: Some of my favorite memories are dancing with my daughters. Find the internal groove and have fun—it’s the foundation for everything.

EVENT:

Experience Messiah

As you’re filling your calendar with holiday traditions, don’t overlook the oldest continuously performed choral work in history: Handel’s Messiah. Since its 1742 premiere, audiences around the world have returned to this oratorio for its emotional sweep, radiant storytelling, and sheer musical power—and here in Portland, PBO proudly carries that tradition forward.

If you’re looking for a shorter experience, join us Thursday evening for a 2-hour highlights performance. Or, for the full arc of Handel’s vision, immerse yourself in the complete three-hour Messiah on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday—performed with the authenticity, artistry, and heart that define Portland Baroque Orchestra.

It’s a tradition our musicians cherish each year—and one we’re thrilled to share with you.

Messiah: The Highlights
December 11, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational
1126 SW Park Ave. Portland, OR 97205
Tickets still available

December 12, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational
1126 SW Park Ave. Portland, OR 97205
Tickets still available

December 13, 2025 | 3:00 PM
Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational
1126 SW Park Ave. Portland, OR 97205
Tickets still available

December 14, 2025 | 3:00 PM
Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational
1126 SW Park Ave. Portland, OR 97205
Tickets still available

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