Resonance Ensemble Announces Pivotal Organizational Expansion
Portland, OR — July 15, 2026 — Hailed by The Oregonian as "Portland's most socially conscious classical institution," Resonance Ensemble is expanding its leadership team, naming Liz Bacon Brownson as its first Executive Director and Shohei Kobayashi as Associate Artistic Director.
From left: Katherine FitzGibbon, Liz Bacon Brownson, and Shohei Kobayashi at a recent RE-Connect gathering.
Founded and led by Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon, Resonance Ensemble performs concerts sparking meaningful social change through commissioning, collaborating, and connecting. FitzGibbon will continue to guide Resonance's artistic vision, while the new roles provide dedicated leadership for the organization's operations and additional support for its artistic work.
“Resonance has always believed that the strongest work is created through collaboration,” said FitzGibbon. “For 17 years, I've had the privilege of building this organization alongside an extraordinary community of artists, board members, staff, volunteers, and supporters. I'm excited to welcome Liz and Shohei into these expanded leadership roles. This is an important milestone for Resonance, and we are so lucky to have two such incredible arts leaders serving the organization through this time of growth.”
Liz Bacon Brownson (center) during the 2022 production of Resonance Ensemble’s first REAP video series, which she produced, with members of the film crew and Resonance artists, including Artist in Residence S. Renee Mitchell.
Liz Bacon Brownson has been with Resonance since its founding, first as a performer and later as an arts administrator. Since 2015, she has served as Director of Marketing & Operations and brings more than 25 years of experience in arts administration, marketing, organizational leadership, and creative entrepreneurship, along with deep ties to Portland's arts community.
“Resonance has been a defining part of my life as an arts leader,” said Bacon. “I’ve had the incredible joy of watching Resonance grow from the inside. The relationships at the heart of our work are what make this community so special, and they continue to guide our future. I’m honored to step into this role and help ensure Resonance continues to support artists and present music that helps us make sense of the world and imagine what is possible together.”
An accomplished conductor and educator, Shohei Kobayashi brings extensive artistic leadership experience to the role of Associate Artistic Director. A member of the Resonance community for more than a decade, they have served as an artist, board member, Co-Artistic Advisor, and Associate Conductor. They will work alongside FitzGibbon to guide Resonance's artistic vision and programming.
Shohei Kobayashi, Resonance Ensemble's newly appointed Associate Artistic Director, conducts the ensemble at a recent performance. Photo by Rachel Hadiashar.
“I’ve loved both witnessing and being part of Resonance’s growth over the years, and I feel I’ve grown as an artist through my work with this organization as well,” said Kobayashi. “I’m excited to help shape what’s next for the ensemble and to keep learning together.”
The organization is also strengthening its full team to support the work ahead. After six years in a multifaceted role spanning communications, marketing, and artist support, Kimberly Osberg will transition into the new role of Artist Services Coordinator, bringing deep institutional knowledge and care for Resonance's artists to this dedicated position. A search for a Marketing & Operations Coordinator is currently underway.
“The Board of Directors is thrilled to support this moment for Resonance,” said Stacey Philipps, Board Chair. “Kathy has built an extraordinary organization rooted in artistic excellence, community, and meaningful social change. Liz and Shohei have each played an important role in Resonance’s story, and we’re excited to see them embrace these new leadership positions alongside Kathy. This evolution reflects the strength of the organization today and our confidence in its future.”
About Resonance Ensemble
Resonance Ensemble is a Portland-based professional choir that creates performances exploring contemporary social issues through powerful choral music. Described by The Oregonian as "Portland's most socially conscious classical institution" and by Willamette Week as "one of the Northwest's finest choirs," Resonance commissions new works, amplifies underrepresented voices, and builds meaningful partnerships that connect music with community.
More information about Resonance Ensemble’s upcoming season, visit resonancechoral.org/season-18-shift
More information about the Marketing & Operations Coordinator position, visit resonancechoral.org/employment