About Oakland symphony
Oakland Symphony: Celebrating Music and Diversity in the Bay Area
Oakland Symphony is a regional orchestra that has been serving the Oakland and Bay Area community for over 80 years. Founded in 1935, the Symphony has become one of the most distinct orchestras in the country, known for its innovative programming, diverse repertoire, and commitment to social justice.
The Symphony's mission is to enrich people's lives through music by presenting engaging concerts that reflect Oakland's cultural diversity and inspire a sense of community. With a roster of over 80 musicians, including some of the finest instrumentalists and vocalists in Northern California, the Symphony performs a wide range of classical and contemporary works that appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
One of Oakland Symphony's unique features is its commitment to commissioning new works by living composers who reflect Oakland's cultural diversity. The Symphony has premiered over 100 new compositions since its inception, many of which have gone on to receive national recognition. By supporting emerging artists from diverse backgrounds, Oakland Symphony helps to promote equity and inclusion in classical music.
In addition to its concert series at venues such as Paramount Theatre and Fox Theater, Oakland Symphony also offers educational programs for students from kindergarten through college. These programs include school visits by musicians who perform for students and teach them about different instruments; masterclasses with guest artists; workshops on composition, conducting, or music theory; as well as internships for aspiring arts administrators.
Oakland Symphony also partners with local organizations such as Youth Radio or East Bay Center for Performing Arts to provide opportunities for young people from underserved communities to learn about music production or performance. By collaborating with other nonprofits that share its values around social justice and education equity, Oakland Symphony amplifies its impact beyond just entertainment.
As an organization committed not only to artistic excellence but also social responsibility, Oakland symphony has received numerous awards recognizing its contributions both locally (such as Best Classical Music Organization by East Bay Express) but also nationally (such as ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming). Its Music Director Michael Morgan was recently named Musical America’s Conductor of the Year – an honor reserved only for those who have made significant contributions not only musically but socially too.
If you are looking for an orchestra that celebrates diversity while delivering world-class performances across genres ranging from Beethoven’s Ninth symphony or John Williams’ Star Wars score – look no further than Oakland symphony!
oaklandsymphony.org
