Lee Kesselman, Choral Music Experience Co-Founder and Associate Director:
"...it was a real treat having you and your choir in York - your performance level was (expectedly) high, your 'tribute' to Imant [Raminsh] was smashing , and, as always, you and Deb deliver a real 'class act' in all ways. Your girls are so lucky to have you as leaders and the chorus as their community. Another outstanding job!"

Imant Raminsh, Composer, on Roberta Q. Jackson:
"In this magical adventure of life that we call music, our paths cross those of many people, often fleetingly, sometimes in a more enduring and meaningful way. Very rarely we may find a true kindred spirit with whom we have the opportunity to co-create and realize a very special musical vision.
One of these extraordinary people for me has been Roberta Jackson. Over the years our friendship and musical collaboration has steadily expanded and deepened. She has had the remarkable courage to be able to take major leaps of faith, as with our Nightingale, the power of conviction to bring her musical community along with her, and the musical skills and sensitivity to translate notes on the page into wonderful living sound.

Thank you and congratulations, Roberta, and bravo to all those who make music with you."

Lee Kesselman, composer, on Debra R. Burgess, Kay R. Doyle, Roberta Q. Jackson, and the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir, in a letter written following Intermezzo Choir's world premiere of Tsvey Taybelekh. (May, 2005)
"What an extraordinary organization! Every age level sings with such a beautiful tone, such a strong understanding of the music, such heart! The genuine warmth and love in the Girlchoir community is a model for any organization. Roberta Jackson and Deb Burgess provide seamless leadership -- it's hard to tell what each of them have brought to the Girlchoir, since vocalism, musicality and inspiration are so present when either of them is at the podium.
I cannot imagine my music being treated with more care and honor. The Intermezzo girls sang beautifully, Kay Doyle's pianism was masterful, and every aspect of the performance hit the mark. Deb Burgess conducted my music as if she had written it.
Seldom have I seen such hospitality in place. Portland is lucky to have the Girlchoir!"

Stephen Hatfield, Composer, regarding his work in with Girlchoir in 2001 in anticipation of his upcoming February 2006 Workshop with Premier Choir and Encore Singers
"I'm looking forward to working with the choir at least as much as they're looking forward to me. I remember with great pleasure how productive and enjoyable it was when we last worked together."

Imant Raminsh, Composer, in a letter written following the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir's West Coast Premiere of Mr. Raminsh's ground-breaking children's choral opera, "The Nightingale" on June 10 and 11, 2005, in Portland's Newmark Theatre.
I wanted to express once again to you and to all your singers, parents, board members and colleagues at Portland Symphonic Girlchoir my most sincere and deepest thanks for sharing this incredible leap of faith and for allowing me to create together with you this extraordinary artistic phenomenon. I can truly say that it is one of the very highest creative peaks of my life and I could not have chosen better companions than you and your people to climb this mountain with me.
I remain humbled by the realization of how many person hours of work went into the final product. What inspiration and enthusiasm and imagination from so many people - such that no money could ever buy - and I am convinced that in this sort of collaboration lies the secret of true art ? truly a shared emotive and spiritual experience.
I am interested in seeing where this work will go from here - but always it will be one of my fondest memories, how it first came to be.
My warmest thoughts to you and all of my friends in Portland.