Past Events

November 2024

OSYO Fall 2024 Concert

Sunday, November 10, 2:00pm

Antonín Dvořák – Othello Overture, Op. 93

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto, Op. 35

I. Allegro moderato

Anatoly Lyadov – Enchanted Lake, Op. 62

Gabriela Lena Frank – Three Latin American Dances

I. Jungle Jaunt

II. Highland Harawi

III. The Mestizo Waltz

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Two Black Churches + Carmina Burana

Friday, November 8, 8 - 10 pm

SHAWN OKPEBHOLO Zoom!

SHAWN OKPEBHOLO Two Black Churches
Emerging Black Composers Project Commission

Will Liverman, Baritone

CARL ORFF Carmina Burana

Meechot Marrero, soprano
Ashley Faatoalia, tenor
Will Liverman, baritone
Oakland Symphony Chorus
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir

Pre-concert talk by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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Oakland Symphony Film Screening: Spike Lee’s “4 Little Girls”

Sunday, November 3, 12:30 pm - 2:30pm

Spike Lee’s acclaimed 1997 documentary 4 Little Girls

Come join us for a special FREE screening of Spike Lee’s powerful documentary, 4 Little Girls, presented by the Oakland Symphony. This in-person event will be held at The New Parkway Theater.

Shawn Okpebholo’s Two Black Churches memorializes the “Four Little Girls” killed in the 1963 Birmingham church bombing. Spike Lee’s acclaimed 1997 documentary provides the context for the work, which the Oakland Symphony and Kedrick Armstrong will perform on Friday, November 8, at the Paramount Theatre.

Reserve Your Seats Now!

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October 2024

Kedrick Armstrong Inaugural Inextinguishable Oakland!

Friday, October 18, 8 - 10 pm

JULIA PERRY A Short Piece for Orchestra

Celebrate the 40 Year Anniversary of Living Jazz
with three jazz-rooted compositions.

Allison Miller, Modern Jazz
John Santos, Afro-Latin
Meklit, Ethio Jazz

Valley of the Giants (for Eddie Marshall)
Composer: Allison Miller
Arrangement and Orchestration by Todd Sickafoose

Featured Artist: Allison Miller, Drum Set
Guest Artist: Dayna Stephens, Sax

Medley: Ethio Blue, My Gold, Stars in a Wide Field
Songs and Lyrics by Meklit
Arrangement and Orchestration by Sam Bevan

Featured Artist: Meklit, Vocals

Guest Artists:
Sam Bevan, Bass
Colin Douglas, Drumkit
Marco Peris Coppola, Tupan/Percussion

Un Levantamiento (An Uprising)
Composer, percussion: John Santos
Arrangers: Saul Sierra and John Santos

Featured Artist: John Santos, güícharo, bongó

Guest Artists:
Pedro Pastrana, Puerto Rican cuatro
Maria Cora, spoken word

CARL NIELSEN Symphony No. 4, “The Inextinguishable”

Pre-concert talk by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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August 2024

Summer Sing-In Series: Kedrick Armstrong, conductor

Wednesday, August 14, 7pm - 9:30pm

Carl Orff Carmina Burana

Sign up here to be placed on the waiting list

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Summer Sing-In Series: Dr. Buddy James, conductor

Wednesday, August 7, 7pm - 9:30pm

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Requiem 

Morten Lauridsen Lux Aeterna

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July 2024

Summer Sing-In Series: Ash Walker, conductor

Wednesday, July 31, 7pm - 9:30pm

Ralph Vaughan Williams Dona Nobis Pacem 

Gabriel Fauré Requiem

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May 2024

Beethoven’s Fifth

Friday, May 17, 8 - 10 pm

AARON COPLAND: Canticle of Freedom

WYNTON MARSALIS: Violin Concerto in D

Kelly Hall-Tompkins, violin

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 5

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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OSYO Spring Concert

Sunday, May 12, 2:00pm

Violin Concerto, Op. 64 – Felix Mendelssohn

Ben Chen, violin

Concertstück, Op. 39 – Gabriel Pierné

Viviana Alfaro, harp

Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64 – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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April 2024

Free Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf

Sunday, April 7, 4 pm

Jaco Wong, conductor
Hyesoo Kim, soprano

Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, narrator, and director of
Lower Bottom Playaz

Kev Choice, keyboard and band leader of
Kev Choice Band:

Nonameko Rigmaiden, vocalist
Dame Drummer, drums
Uriah Duffy, bass
Kelyn Crapp, guitar

Manuel de Falla Ritual Fire Dance

Peter Shin Hyo

Hyesoo Kim, soprano

Kev Choice MacArthur’s Mood

Kev Choice That Life

Sergei Prokofiev Peter and the Wolf

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March 2024

The Passion of Tchaikovsky

Friday, March 22, 8 - 10 pm

JOHANNA DODERER: Ritus (US Premiere)

SAMUEL BARBER: Violin Concerto

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 4

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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February 2024

OSYO Chamber Concert 2

Sunday, February 18, 2:00pm

A wide variety of music played by brilliant young musicians in chamber groups.

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Here I Stand: Paul Robeson

Friday, February 16, 8 - 10 pm

JOAN TOWER: Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 6

CARLOS SIMON WITH LIBRETTO BY DAN HARDER:
Here I Stand: Paul Robeson
(World Premiere – Oakland Symphony Commission,
Generously Funded by The Robeson Centennial Committee)

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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OSYO Chamber Concert 1

Sunday, February 11, 2:00pm

A wide variety of music played by brilliant young musicians in chamber groups.

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January 2024

Dvořák New World

Friday, January 26, 8 - 10 pm

TEXU KIM: Līlā (Barlow Prize commission)

DOREEN CARWITHEN: Concerto for Piano and Strings

ANTONIN DVOŘÁK: Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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December 2023

Let Us Break Bread Together with the hits of Tina Turner

Sunday, December 10, 4 - 6 pm

An “inspired, multifarious, musical bash!” raves SF Classical Voice of the Oakland Symphony’s holiday party, Let Us Break Bread Together. The Bay Area’s hottest artists join the Orchestra for this annual seasonal celebration. And this year’s edition pays tribute to the memory of the legendary Tina Turner. Her chart-topping hits. It’s “Simply the Best” Break Bread ever!

Featuring
Dan Ashley, vocalist
Maiya Sykes, vocalist
Ty Taylor, vocalist
Moorea Dickason, vocalist
Kev Choice, band director/piano/keys
Dame Drummer, drums
Uriah Duffy, bass
Kelyn Crapp, guitar
Victor Schwartz, guest conductor
Ellen Hoffman, composer/pianist
Best Intentions
Kugelplex
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
Contra Costa High School Chorus
Cal State East Bay Singers
Oakland Symphony Chorus

Let Us Break Bread Together
Choral Arr. by Terrance Kelly,
Orchestra Arr. by Ellen Hoffman

Terrance Kelly, vocalist, Ellen Hoffman, piano
Combined Choruses, Oakland Symphony

Stars Ēriks Ešenvald

Dr. Buddy James, conductor
Glass Players, Contra Costa High School Chorus,
Cal State East Bay Singers, Oakland Symphony Chorus, Oakland Symphony

What’s Love Got To Do With It
Graham Lyle, Terry Britten,
Arr. by Kev Choice

Maiya Sykes, vocalist, Contra Costa High School Chorus,
Cal State East Bay Singers, Oakland Symphony Chorus,
Break Bread Band, Oakland Symphony

Silent Night, Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr
Arr. by Claytoven Richardson

Best Intentions

A Fool in Love Ike Turner
Arr. by Omid Zoufonoun

Best Intentions, Break Bread Band, Oakland Symphony

Sleigh Ride Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr
Arr. by Claytoven Richardson

Victor Schwartz, conductor
Oakland Symphony

Goldeneye Bono and the Edge
Arr. by Tarik Ragab

Moorea Dickason, vocalist
Tarik Ragab, electric bass, Terry Branam, drums
Oakland Symphony

My Favorite Time of Year Leigh Haggerwood

Dan Ashley, vocalist, Bill Bentley, Guitarist,
Break Bread Band

Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah George Frideric Handel

Ash Walker, conductor
Combined Choruses, Oakland Symphony

INTERMISSION

Nutcracker Suite Duke Ellington
Dance of Flowers, Sugar Plum Cherry
Adapted by Tyzik 

Oakland Symphony 

African Noel Todd Smith
Arr. Brad Holmes

Ash Walker, conductor
SoulBeatz, Contra Costa High School Chorus,
Cal State East Bay Singers, Oakland Symphony Chorus

We Don’t Need Another Hero
Graham Lyle and Terry Britten

Arr. By Claytoven Richardson

Dan Ashley, vocalist,  Bill Bentley, Guitarist,
Break Bread Band, Oakland Symphony Chorus

Ocho Kandelikas
Arr. by Dan Cantrell

Kugelplex

Tallava California Benji Rifati
Arr. by Dan Cantrell

Kugelplex, Oakland Symphony

We Three Kings John Henry Hopkins, Jr.
Choral Arr. by Terrance Kelly
Orchestra Arr. Ben Heveroh

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Oakland Symphony

River Deep, Mountain High
Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector

Arr. by Lenny Wee

Maiya Sykes, vocalist, Ty Taylor, vocalist
Moorea Dickason, vocalist, Dan Ashley, vocalist
Best Intentions, Combined Choruses,
Break Bread Band, Oakland Symphony

Proud Mary John Fogerty
Arr. by Lenny Wee

Maiya Sykes, vocalist, Ty Taylor, vocalist
Moorea Dickason, vocalist, Dan Ashley, vocalist
Best Intentions, Combined Choruses,
Oakland Symphony

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November 2023

OSYO Fall Concert 2023

Sunday, November 12, 2:00pm

Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila – Mikhail Glinka

Violin Concerto No. 3 I. Allegro non troppo – Camille Saint-Saëns featuring Sina Kalkan, violin

The Wasps Overture – Ralph Vaughan Williams

Adagietto from Symphony No. 5 – Gustav Mahler

Symphonic Metamorphosis – Paul Hindemith

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Truth to Power

Friday, November 10, 8 - 10 pm

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Fidelio Overture

ANTHONY DAVIS: You Have The Right To Remain Silent

Anthony McGill, clarinet
Earl Howard
, Kurzweil synthesizer

MARGARET BONDS: Montgomery Variations (selections)

IGOR STRAVINSKY: Symphony of Psalms

Oakland Symphony Chorus
Ash Walker, chorus director

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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October 2023

Playlist: Angela Y. Davis

Saturday, October 21, 7:30 - 9:30 pm

The Oakland Symphony’s signature Playlist returns to celebrate Angela Y. Davis. Activist. Educator. Conscience of a generation. She will share the music that inspired her courage
and her commitment. Hosted by W. Kamau Bell, Oakland Symphony’s 2018 Playlist honoree.

With Special Guests

Goapele
Viveca Hawkins
Francisco Herrera
Martin Luther McCoy
PHER
Elena Pinderhughes
Valerie Troutt
CO-LLAB CHOIR
Oakland Symphony Chorus
& MORE!

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Ravishing Rachmaninoff

Friday, October 13, 8 - 10 pm

VALERIE COLEMAN: Seven O’clock Shout

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH: Piano Concerto in A, BWV 1055

JESSIE MONTGOMERY: Rounds for Piano & String Orchestra

SERGEI RACHMANINOFF: Symphonic Dances

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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July 2023

Youth Orchestra Bon Voyage Concert at Oakland City Hall

Sunday, July 2, 2:00pm

Join us for performances by Great Wall Youth Orchestra, Oaktown Jazz Workshop Performance Ensemble, and Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra. See OSYO before they head off to Eastern Europe! Bring a picnic and enjoy the music!

Instrument Petting Zoo at 1:15pm

Live Music at 2:00pm

Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland CA 94612

Bring your lunch and lawn chair and enjoy the picnic in the lawn area.

 

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May 2023

Songs of Protest

Friday, May 19, 8pm - 10pm

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Leonore Overture No. 3

SAMUEL BARBER: Second Essay for Orchestra

MARTIN ROKEACH
REBECCA ENGLE, LIBRETTIST AND DRAMATURGE:
Bodies on the Line: The Great Flint Sit-Down Strike
(world premiere, Oakland Symphony commission with support from the Roger Shapiro Fund for New Music and Saint Mary’s College of California (Frank J. Filippi Professorship in Performing Arts; Provost’s Research Grant; Faculty Development Fund; Office of Faculty Development Writers’ Retreat)

1. Prologue
2. On the Line
3. Company Town
4. Memo from GM/Wife’s Lament
5. The Demands
6. Letters Home: “Sittin’ Tight, Feelin’ Fine”
7. Well, Mr. Diary
8. Letters Home: “They Shut Off the Heat”
9. Bull’s Run
10. Battle Royal
11. Taking Chevy 4
12. Bitter for a Businessman
13. Still We Stand

Melody Wilson, mezzo-soprano (Genora Johnson/Frances Perkins)
Marc Molomot, tenor (Francis O’ Rourke)
Morgan Smith, baritone (Alfred P. Sloan)

Oakland Symphony Chorus
Ash Walker, acting chorus director

Pacific Edge Voices
Ash Walker, music director

Matthew Antaky: Scenic, Lighting and Media Designer
Keiko Shimosato Carreiro: Costume Coordinator
Callie Floor: Costume Assistant
Frédéric Boulay: Projection Designer and Technical Director
Nola Burger: Graphic Designer
Billy Bragg: There is Power in a Union; used with permission

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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2023 Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

Sunday, May 14, 2pm - 4pm

Jessie Montgomery Starburst

Duke Ellington, Arr. Wladimir Selinsky Solitude (Side by Side with MUSE VIVO)

Rhiannon Giddens, Arr. Jacob Garchik At the Purchaser’s Option (Side by Side with MUSE VIVO)

Josef Suk Scherzo Fantastique

Jean Sibelius Violin Concerto in D Minor
III. Allegro, ma non tanto

INTERMISSION

Sergei Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet
(Selections from Suites 1 and 2)
1. Montagues and Capulets
2. Juliet the Young Girl
3. Madrigal
4. Minuet
5. Masks
6. Romeo & Juliet
7. Death of Tybalt

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The Music of John Williams

Thursday, May 4, 8pm - 10pm

The music of John Williams has transported us beyond our imagination. To new worlds. Through heart-pounding adventures. Be there as the Oakland Symphony performs all your John Williams favorites: Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harry Potter, E.T., and of course, Star Wars. The force is with you for this 90th birthday celebration of cinema’s symphonic master.

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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April 2023

Free Family Concert: Family Hype

Sunday, April 16, 4 pm

In partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, Oakland Symphony shares the music that has helped Families, Doctors, Nurses, and Patients get hyped to overcome challenges. Whether it’s prepping for surgery or a big test at school, music helps give us all courage in everyday life. Stories and music for the whole family.

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March 2023

Romeo & Juliet

Friday, March 24, 8pm - 10pm

LERA AUERBACH: Icarus

FELIX MENDELSSOHN: Violin Concerto

Ruben Rengelviolin

SERGEI PROKOFIEV:
Romeo & Juliet Selected movements from Suites 1 & 2

“The Montagues and the Capulets”
“Juliet – the little girl”
“Romeo and Juliet (The balcony scene)”
“Friar Laurence”
“Romeo and Juliet before parting”
“The death of Tybalt”
“Romeo and Juliet’s grave”

Justin Howard– Romeo
Jen Macfarlane
– Juliet and Mercutio
Myles Brown
– Friar Laurence and Tybalt
Clive Worsley – Prologue
California Shakespeare Theater

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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February 2023

Notes from California

Friday, February 24, 8pn - 10pm

GABRIELLA SMITHTumblebird Contrails (Bay Area Premiere)

CLAUDE DEBUSSY (orch. Robin Holloway): En blanc et noir

REENA ESMAILHistory of Red

Kathryn Mueller, soprano

IGOR STRAVINSKY: Symphony in Three Movements

 

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Chamber Music

Sunday, February 19, 2pm - 4pm

String Quartet No. 17 “The Hunt”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  1. Allegro vivace assai

Katherine Yoo, Danny Dang, violin; Benjamin Chen, viola; Michelle Seo, cello

Concerto Grosso in D Minor No. 11, Op. 2
Antonio Vivaldi

Abigail Paik, Allan Zhang, violin; Karen Chang, viola; Pratyush Rallapally, cello; Arjun Vishwanath, bass

String Quartet No. 1, Op. 12
Felix Mendelssohn

  1. Adagio non troppo

Eliot Waldvogel, Casey Dunning-Sorey, violin; Isabel Jeong, viola; Delilah Hirsch, cello

String Quartets in G Major, Op. 48, No. 2
Anton Reicha

  1. Allegro

Miles Antaya, Merry Kalila Martinez-Griffith, violin; Karen Chang, viola; Pratyush Rallapally, cello

String Quintet in G Major No. 2, Op. 77
Antonin Dvořák

  1. Scherzo Allegro vivace

Olivia Hsu, Emily Chang, violin; Patrick Ting, viola; Michelle Seo, cello; Marilyn Yuan, bass

INTERMISSION

String Quartets in C Minor, Op. 49, No. 1
Anton Reicha

  1. Allegro

Eric Zhu, Skye Shiga, violin; Christian Jones, viola; Nathan Jeong, cello

Five Novelettes, Op. 15
Aleksandr Glazunov

  1. Alla spagnuola

Ashley Zhao, Claire Ahn, violin; Yufei Shen, viola; Beckett Kohn, cello

String Quartet No. 10, Op. 51
Antonin Dvořák

  1. Dumka

Tejas Mahesh, Vintine Anrich, violin; Ellora Amodt, viola; Korey Dang, cello

String Quartet in F Major No. 3, Op. 73
Dmitri Shostakovich

2. Moderato con moto

3. Allegro non troppo

 

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Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Chamber Music

Sunday, February 12, 2pm - 4pm

String Quartet No. 4, Op. 18  
Ludwig van Beethoven

  1. Allegro ma non tanto

Benjamin Chen, Ira Dabke, violin, Nicholas Ha, viola, Beckett Kohn, cello

Five Divertimenti, K. 439b
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  1. Allegro

Eliza King, flute, Paula Hazell, oboe, Zach Noble, bassoon

Hungarian Dances No. 1 and 5
Johannes Brahms

Allie Heo, Gaeun Ahn, violin, Miles Antaya, viola, Elliot Kim, cello

Wind Quartet, Op. 93
Karl Eduard Goepfart

  1. Allegro Risoluto

Kathryn Go, flute, Lane Eppenberger, oboe, Henry Tai, clarinet, Michael Cunningham, bassoon

Divertimento in D, K. 136
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Amelia Im, Annie Hsu, Olivia Choi, Hannah Jeong, violin

Patrick Ting, Casey Dunning-Sorey, viola, Ann Yang, cello, Nigel Willacy, bass

Trompeten-Sextett, Op. 30
Oskar Böhme

Linus Buchholtz, Joshua Peng, Hendrick Linnen, trumpet

Madi Bayaca, Laurel Minor, Christopher Hazell, trombone

String Quartet No. 20 in D Major, K. 499
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  1. Allegretto

Yujin Shin, Derek Zhang, violin, Lucas Chi, viola, Adeline Lee, cello

String Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 5
Franz Xaver Richter

  1. Allegro con brio

Aaron Hsi, Luke Jeffers, violin, Ketivinne Anrich, viola, Sunny Moon, cello

Danzas de Panama
William Grant-Still

  1. Tamborito

Clare Chung, Anika Kaushik, violin, Ellora Amodt, viola, Nathan Jeong, cello

INTERMISSION

String Quartet No. 14 in D Minor, D. 810
Franz Schubert

  1. Allegro

Michael Oliveira, Braden Wang, violin, Ethan Han, viola, Ethan Shin, cello

Féerie
Marcel Tournier

Viviana Alfaro, harp, Michael Oliveira, Eliot Waldvogel, violin,

Ethan Han, viola, Annelise Im, cello

Ma Mere I’Oye Suite
Maurice Ravel

  1. Petit Poucet
  1. Les entretiens de la Belle et de la Bête

Brianna Torres, flute, Cleo Linzer, oboe, Aila Peterson, clarinet

Glynnis Leong, bassoon, Victor Schwartz, horn

String Quartet No. 9 in G minor, D. 173
Franz Schubert

  1. Allegro con brio

Anna Tang, Hannah Thai, violin, Betty Chang, viola, Ann Yang, cello

Bagatelles, Op. 47
Antonin Dvořák

  1. Allegretto scherzando

Alexis Kwon, flute, Alyssa Kwon, clarinet, Ruben Rose, bassoon

Serenade No. 2, Op. 16
Johannes Brahms

  1.     Rondo, Allegro

Brianna Torres, Kathryn Go, flute, Cleo Linzer, Lane Eppenberger, oboe

Brady Lucas, Aila Peterson, clarinet, Glynnis Leong, Michael Cunningham, bassoon

Meghan Hildebrand, Victor Schwartz, horn, Sina Kalkan, viola

Ethan Shin, Grace Yang, cello, Joyoti DuBois, bass

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January 2023

Rooted in America

Friday, January 27, 8pm - 10pm

FLORENCE PRICE: Five Folksongs in Counterpoint

ARTIE MATTHEWSPastime Rags, nos. 2, 3 and 4

MARGARET BONDSTangamerican; “The Bells” from Spiritual Suite

GEORGE GERSHWIN: Second Rhapsody

INTERMISSION

WILLIAM DAWSON: Negro Folk Symphony

Pre-concert talk from stage by Joseph Horowitz begins at 7:05 pm

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December 2022

Let Us Break Bread Together – The Music of Earth, Wind & Fire

Sunday, December 11, 4pm - 6pm

Let Us Break Bread Together
Choral Arr. by Terrance Kelly, Orchestra Arr. by Ellen Hoffman
Combined Choruses, Oakland Symphony,Terrance Kelly (vocals), Ellen Hoffman (piano)

What Child Is This/Carol of the Bells
William Chatterton Dix, Mykola Leontovych, Peter J. Wilhousky
Arr. by Lenny Wee
Oakland Symphony Chorus (a cappella)

Silent Night
Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr
Arr. by Claytoven Richardson
The Best Intentions, Lenny Wee band, Kev Choice (piano)

Reasons
Philip Bailey, Charles Stepney, Maurice White
Arr. by Kev Choice
The Best Intentions, Oakland Symphony, Lenny Wee band, Kev Choice (piano)

Mary Did You Know
Buddy Greene, Mark Lowry
Arr. by Lenny Wee
Stevie Mackey, Oakland Symphony,
Lenny Wee band, Kev Choice (piano)

Sleigh Ride
Leroy Anderson
Madi Bayaca (guest youth conductor), Oakland Symphony

Shining Star
Philip Bailey, Larry Dunn, Maurice White
Arr. by Lenny Wee
Matthew Johnson, Oakland Symphony, Lenny Wee band,
Kev Choice (piano)

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Hugh Martin
Arr. by Lenny Wee
Matthew Johnson, Oakland Symphony

Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah
George Frideric Handel
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir,
Oakland Symphony Chorus, Oakland Symphony

INTERMISSION

In The Stone
Allee Willis, David Foster, Maurice White
Arr. by Lenny Wee
Matthew Johnson, Oakland Symphony, Lenny Wee band,
Kev Choice (piano)

Rudolph’s Mitzvah
Yiddish translation of Rudolph the red-nosed Reindeer
Translation copyright November 2007 by David Rosenfeld, Gerry Tenny, Jewlia Eisenburg, Jason Ditzian, and Kugelplex
Kugelplex

Lurker In The Night
Dan Cantrell
Kugelplex

Marriage of Santa Claus
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Arr. by Dan Reiter
Oakland Symphony

O Holy Night
Adolphe Adam, John Sullivan Dwight
arr. by Ben Heveroh
Terrance Kelly (vocals), Ellen Hoffman (piano)
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Oakland Symphony

Medley: Fantasy, Boogie Wonderland
Maurice White, Verdine White, Eddie del Barrio, Al McKay
Arr. by Lenny Wee
Stevie Mackey, Oakland Symphony, Lenny Wee band,
Kev Choice (piano)

September (Earth Wind & Fire)
Al McKay, Maurice White, Allee Willis
Arr. by Lenny Wee
Stevie Mackey, Matthew Johnson, Best Intentions,
Terrance Kelly, Combined Choruses, Oakland Symphony,
Lenny Wee band, Kev Choice (piano)

 

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Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert

Sunday, December 4, 2pm - 4pm

Ludwig van Beethoven: Coriolan Overture
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: Russian Easter Overture

Intermission

Charles Ives: Unanswered Question
Georges Bizet: Carmen Suites No.1 & 2

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November 2022

Psalms by Bernstein

Friday, November 4, 8pm - 10pm

MARY LOU WILLIAMS: Zodiac Suite

ERICH WOLFGANG KORNGOLD: Much Ado About Nothing Suite

LEONARD BERNSTEIN: Chichester Psalms

 

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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October 2022

Opening Night Symphonie Fantastique!

Friday, October 14, 8pm - 10pm

CARLOS SIMON: Fate Now Conquers

CHEN YI: Golden Flute

HECTOR BERLIOZ: Symphonie fantastique

 

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey begins at 7:05 pm

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August 2022

Summer Stage at Oakland City Hall

Thursday, August 4, 7 pm

Kedrick Armstrong, conductor
Amaryn Olmeda, violin

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Symphony No. 29
William Grant Still: Summerland
Camille Saint-Saëns: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso
Darius Milhaud: Le Bœuf sur le toit

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May 2022

Season Finale Leonard Slatkin

Friday, May 20, 8 pm - 10 pm

CINDY McTEE: Circuits

SAMUEL BARBER: Adagio for Strings, Opus 11

ALAN HOVHANESS: Symphony No. 2 “ Mysterious Mountain”

EDWARD ELGAR: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 (Enigma)

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Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

Sunday, May 15, 4 pm - 6 pm

Astor Piazzolla  – Libertango
George Walker – Lyric for Strings
Gioachino Rossini – The Barber of Seville
Antonín Dvořák – Slavonic Dances, Op. 72 No. 2 and No. 7

Intermission

Ludwig van Beethoven – String Quartet in D major, Op. 18, No. 4, Mvt. 2
Felix Mendelssohn – The Hebrides Overture, Op. 26
Georges Bizet – Selections from L’Arlesienne Concert Suites No. 1 and 2

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April 2022

Nicholas McGegan conducts A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Friday, April 22, 8 pm - 10 pm

LIBBY LARSEN: Evening in the Palace of Reason

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: Violin Concerto No. 5, “Turkish”

FELIX MENDELSSOHN: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Suite

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Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Chamber Music Concert Part II

Sunday, April 10, 4p - 6p

Henri Tomasi – Suite for Two Trumpets,
I. Havanaise, II. Lento égéen, III. Danse bolivienne

Camille Borris (Trumpet), Linus Buchholz (Trumpet II), Joshua Pang (Trumpet III)

Rhiannon Giddens – At the Purchaser’s Option with variations

Felix Mendelssohn – String Quartet Op. 13, No. 2, Intermezzo  

Duncan Ritchie (Violin I), Honor Cho (Violin II), Patrick Ting (Viola), Sunny Moon (Cello)

Anthony St. Pierre – Pastoral Minuet

Alexis Kwon (Flute), Yuzar Oo (Oboe), Henry Tai (Clarinet), Djuna Burke (Bassoon)

Ludwig van Beethoven – String Quartet in D major, Op. 18, No. 3, Mvt. 3

Isaac Kim (Violin I), Abigail Paik (Violin II), Michelle Zhang (Viola), James Xue (Cello)

Felix Mendelssohn – Four Pieces for String Quartet Op. 81, Fuga

Merry Kalila Martinez-Griffith (Violin I), Allie Heo (Violin II), Ethan Han (Viola), Pratyush Rallapally (Cello)

Richard Shuebruk – Sonatina for Duets, Introduction, Theme & Variations 

Joshua Pang (Trumpet), Christoher Hazell (Trombone)

Franz Joseph Haydn – String Quartet in G major, Op. 54, No. 1, Presto

Olivia Hsu (Violin I), Clare Chung (Violin II), Miriam Waldvogel (Viola), Nathan Jeong (Cello)

Johann Sebastian Bach – Brandenburg No. 3, BWV 1048, Mvt. 3

Ira Dabke (Violin I), Hannah Thai (Violin II), Allan Zhang (Violin III), Sebastian Valle (Viola I), Ketivinne Anrich (Viola II), Annelise Im (Cello I), Caleb Kim (CelloII), Jacob Seo (Cello III)

INTERMISSION

Reinhold Gliére – Duets for Violin and Cello

Sina Kalkan (Violin), Andrew Chen (Cello) 

George Frideric Handel – Trio Sonata in G minor, HWV 393, Mvts. 1 & 2

Kevin Liu (Violin I), Sebastian Valle (Violin II), Pratyush Rallapally (Cello)

Toshi Nagata – Sonatine for Woodwinds, Mvt. 3

Hana Snyder (Flute), Ani Jelalian (Oboe), Zoe King (Clarinet), Sam Troxell (Bassoon)

Carlos Gardel – Por Una Cabeza

Benjamin Chen (Violin I), Emily Chang (Violin II), Sina Kalkan (Viola), Adeline Lee (Cello)

Jeremy Cohen – I. Tango Toscana, II. Francini

Michael Oliveira (Violin I), Katherine Yoo (Violin II), Ethan Han (Viola), Ethan Shin (Cello)

Joe Fried – Spanish Winds

Hana Snyder (Flute), Paula Hazell (Oboe), Zoe King (Clarinet)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart String Quartet in B-flat major, No.12, K. 172, Minuet

Evelyn Ho (Violin I), Vintine Anrich (Violin II), Tomohiko Takeuchi (Viola), Jeffrey Zhang (Cello)

Joseph Bohuslav Foerster – Wind Quintet, Mvt. 2

Kathryn Go (Flute), Ani Jelalian (Oboe), Nicholas Ebbers (Clarinet), Sam Troxell (Bassoon), Meghan Hildebrand (Horn)

Franz Joseph Haydn – String Quartet in G minor, Op. 74, No. 3, Mvt. 1

Miriam Waldvogel (Violin I), Michael Oliveira (Violin II), Michelle Zhang (Viola), Grace Yang (Cello)

See More Info »

Spring Chorus Concert: Passover Eastertide & Liberation

Saturday, April 9, 8 pm

ACT 1

Mah Nishtanah Ashkenazic
melody, arr. by Joshua Jacobson

Gia White and Linda Lipner

Loyisa Goy
Hebrew Folk Song, arr. by Michael Isaacson

Samachti B’omrim Li
by Charles Osborne 

Yom Gila
Sephardic folk song, arr. by Simon A. Sargon

L’Dor Vador
by Meir Finkelstein, arr. by Joshua Jacobson 

Jim Stenson, Karen Rossi, Ricardo Pastor, Ken Saltzstine

Praise God, Hallelujah
Robert Schoen 

Sim Shalom
Jewish Folk Song, arr. by John Leavitt

The Song of the Sea
by Cory A. Weiss

Susan Hernandez and Suzanne Freedman

Go Down, Moses
African American Spiritual, arr. by David Eddleman

Israel in Egypt
G. F. Handel 
 

He smote all the first-born of Egypt
But the waters overwhelmed their enemies
And Israel saw that great work
And believed the Lord and His servant Moses

ACT 2

Messiah
G. F. Handel

He trusted in God that He would deliver him
Since by Man came Death
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. Amen. 

Sanctuary Road
Music by Paul Moravec
Libretto by Mark Campbell
Inspired by William Still’s The Underground Railroad Records. Commissioned for and by the Oratorio Society of New York through the generous support of Joanne Spellun.

Write
Quietly
Reward
I Waited
Ensemble (Interview 3)
War Interlude
Finale 

Oakland Symphony Chamber Chorus
Swen Erwin, Narrator (William Still)
Kymry Esainko, Piano
Ward Spangler, Percussion

See More Info »

March 2022

Beethoven 7

Friday, March 25, 8 pm - 10 pm

ADOLPHUS HAILSTORK: An American Port of Call

ANDRÉS MARTÍN: Bass Concerto No. 1

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 7

See More Info »

The Fountains of Rome

Friday, March 4, 8 pm - 10 pm

CLAUDE DEBUSSY: Salut Printemps

EINOJUHANI RAUTAVAARA: Lapsimessu

JOAQUÍN RODRIGO: Concierto de Aranjuez

Intermission

CLAUDE DEBUSSY: Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun

OTTORINO RESPIGHI: The Fountains of Rome

Concert underwritten in memoriam of Bonnie Bell by
James F. Bell, Chairman, Bell Investment Advisors

See More Info »

February 2022

Debbie Allen’s Playlist

Saturday, February 12, 8 pm - 10 pm

TRIUMPHAL MARCH from Aida
Giuseppe Verdi

Oakland Symphony & Oakland Symphony Chorus

A BOY LIKE THAT from West Side Story
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Shawnette Sulker, Deborah Martínez Rosengaus,
& Oakland Symphony

100 WAYS
James Ingram,
Arr. by Kev Choice

Kev Choice Band, Martin Luther McCoy,
& Oakland Symphony

SAY IT LOUD
James Brown
Arr. by Adam Theis & Brian Adam McCune

Jazz Mafia & Oakland Symphony

STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE
Diana Ross, Arr. By Brian Adam McCune

Jazz Mafia & Oakland Symphony

GHOSTS OF COLUMBINE from Freeze Frame
Debbie Allen, Arr. by Kev Choice

Kev Choice Band, Ryan Nicole, Karega Bailey,
& Oakland Symphony

STAND from Freeze Frame
Debbie Allen, Arr. by Lenny Wee

Matthew Johnson solo vocal,
Kev Choice Band, Ja Ronn & FLOW,
& Oakland Symphony

INTERMISSION

PETER AND THE WOLF
Sergei Prokofiev

Oakland Symphony

MY CHERIE AMOUR
Stevie Wonder, Arr. by Andy Weiner

Matthew Johnson solo vocal,
Kev Choice Band, Yvette Pylant,
Moorea Dickason, Solas B. Lalgee,
& Oakland Symphony

WADE IN THE WATER
Traditional African-American spiritual

Arr. by Ellen Hoffman and Terrance Kelly
Inspired by the music to Wade in the Water
as performed by Alvin Ailey Dance Theater

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir,
Isa Chu, Dan Strauss, Terrance Kelly
Ellen Hoffman piano, Jon Herrera electric bass
Miles Lathan drums, & Oakland Symphony

TAKE THE A TRAIN
Duke Ellington 

Vocal Rush

POEM ON STATUS
Vivian Ayers
Original music composed by Rickey Minor

Kev Choice piano & Vivian Nixon Recitation

SAILING
Christopher Cross

Kev Choice piano, Norm Nixon

FAME
Music by Michael Gore
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Arr. by Lenny Wee

Kev Choice, Yvette Pylant, Moorea Dickason,
& Oakland Symphony

See More Info »

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Chamber Music Concert

Sunday, February 6, 2 pm - 5 pm

Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet No. 1 in F major Op. 18

Anthony St. Pierre La Folia

Franz Schubert String Quartet No.1 in C minor D 18

Camille Saint-Saëns String Quartet No. 2 in G major Op. 153

Johann Sebastian Bach Brandenburg No.3 BWV 1048

Ferenc Farkas Early Hungarian Dances

Alexander Borodin String Quartet No. 2 in D major

Franz Schubert String Quartet No. 13 in A minor D 804

Intermission

Bedřich Smetana String Quartet No. 1 in E minor

Antonio Vivaldi Concerto for Four Violins in B minor RV 580

Toshi Nagata Sonatine for Woodwinds

Franz Schubert String Trio in B-flat major D 471

Trombone Duets Processional & Bolero

Alexander Glazunov String Quintet in A major Op. 39

Elizabeth Tang Ragtime for Woodwinds

Ignaz Joseph Pleyel String Quartet in G major

Franz Schubert String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat major Op. 125

Ludwig van Beethoven Oboe Trio in C major
Arr. for Trumpets Op. 87

Felix Mendelssohn String Quartet No. 4 in E minor Op. 44

See More Info »

January 2022

Mozart / Tchaikovsky

Friday, January 21, 8 pm - 10 pm

Dr. Leslie B. Dunnerconductor 
Hope Briggs, soprano      Melody Wilson, mezzo-soprano
Noah Stewart, tenor         Phillip Harris, baritone     

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Symphony No. 29 in A major, K. 201

I. Allegro moderato
II. Andante
III. Menuetto
IV. Allegro con spirito

PETER ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Serenade for Strings in C major, Opus 48

I. Piece in the Form of a Sonata: Andante non troppo; Allegro moderato
II. Waltz: Moderato, tempo di valse
III. Elegy: Larghetto elegiaco
IV. Finale: Andante; Allegro con spirito

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey at 7:05 pm

See More Info »

December 2021

Let Us Break Bread Together – The Music of Ray Charles and B. B. King

Sunday, December 12, 4pm - 6pm

LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER                              
Choral Arr. by Terrance Kelly
Orch Arr. by Ellen Hoffman
Combined Choruses, Oakland Symphony,
Terrance Kelly, vocal soloist, Ellen Hoffman, piano

LOCUS ISTE       
Anton Bruckner
String Arr. by Robert Longfield
Oakland Symphony Chorus & Oakland Symphony Strings

FANTASIA on WE THREE KINGS                                
Arr. by Brian Balmages
Oakland Symphony

EVERY DAY I HAVE THE BLUES                                   
B. B. King
Arr. by Claytoven Richardson
The Best Intentions,
Jeffrey Bashir, director,
Jazz Mafia, Adam Theis, director & Oakland Symphony

B.B. KING MEDLEY                                          
Arr. by Matt Wong
When Love Comes to Town
I’m Moving On
The Thrill is Gone
Stormy Monday
Bring It On Home
Jazz Mafia, Adam Theis, director, & Oakland Symphony

THE CHRISTMAS SONG                                                                
Mel Torme and Robert Wells, Arr. by Bob Krogstad
Oakland Symphony

O HOLY NIGHT                                                
Adolphe Adam
Arr. by Terrance Kelly, Lyrics by John Sullivan Dwight
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir & Oakland Symphony

PIFA from THE MESSIAH                              
George Frideric Handel, Arr. By Rob Reich
Kugelplex & Oakland Symphony

HALLELUJAH CHORUS from THE MESSIAH                          
George Frideric Handel
Oakland Symphony Chorus & Oakland Symphony

INTERMISSION

SLEIGH RIDE                                                                      
Leroy Anderson
Roman St. Gerard, conductor & Oakland Symphony

DANCE OF MEMORY (NIGUN)                                  
Inspired by Traditional Hasidic Religious Songs
Dan Cantrell
Kugelplex & Oakland Symphony Chorus

SIM SHALOM    
Traditional Hasidic Religious Song                                          
Arr. by John Leavitt
Kugelplex, Oakland Symphony Chorus, &
Oakland Symphony members

SILENT NIGHT                                                                   
Arr. by Claytoven Richardson
as performed by The Temptations
The Best Intentions, Jeffrey Bashir, director
Jazz Mafia, Adam Theis, director

RAY CHARLES MEDLEY                                                  
Arr. by Matt Wong
What I’d Say
Unchain My Heart
Hallelujah I Love Her So
I Can’t Stop Loving You
Georgia On My Mind
Jazz Mafia, Adam Theis, director, & Oakland Symphony

HIT THE ROAD, JACK                      
Percy Mayfield  & Ray Charles
Arr. by Ellen Hoffman, Gospel Ending by Terrance Kelly
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Ellen Hoffman, piano
Sharon Hymes Offord, & Oakland Symphony

AULD LANG SYNE                                           
Traditional Scottish
Arr. by Peter Lawson
Combined Choruses, Oakland Symphony, & Audience

WALK TOGETHER, CHILDREN                     
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. by Moses Hogan & Brian Adam McCune
Oakland Symphony Chorus, Jazz Mafia,
Adam Theis, director, & Oakland Symphony

 

See More Info »

November 2021

The Music Returns

Friday, November 19, 8 pm

Mei-Ann Chenconductor
Lara Downespiano

WILLIAM GRANT STILL: In Memoriam,
The Colored Soldiers Who Died for Democracy

FLORENCE PRICE:
 Piano Concerto (in one movement)

Lara Downespiano
(Lara Downes is a Yamaha Artist)

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey at 7:05 pm

Approximate concert length: 2 hours, including one intermission

See More Info »

October 2021

We Remember Michael

Tuesday, October 19, 6:30 PM

Get your tickets now to RSVP for the Memorial Concert of Michael Morgan, as artists from across the Bay Area— and the nation— come together for this FREE concert filled with joyful sounds.  Be there to listen, to sing, to celebrate the life and legacy of Michael Morgan.

Presented by:
Oakland Symphony

Underwritten by:
James F. Bell, Chairman, Bell Investment Advisors

See More Info »

May 2020

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert CANCELLED

Sunday, May 17, 2 pm

SERGEI PROKOFIEV
Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 19

I. Andantino

Andrew Chan, violin
OSYO Concerto Competition winner

INTERMISSION

ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 (From the New World)

I. Adagio—Allegro molto
II. Largo
III. Scherzo: Molto vivace
IV. Allegro con fuoco

See More Info »

Amy Beach / Underground Railroad CANCELLED

Friday, May 15, 8 pm

Symphony in E minor, Op. 32 “Gaelic”
Amy Beach

INTERMISSION

Sanctuary Road
Music by Paul Moravec
Libretto by Mark Campbell
Inspired by William Still’s “The Underground Railroad Records”
Commissioned for and by The Oratorio Society of New York through the generous support of Joanne Spellun

Hope Briggs, Soprano
Melody Wilson, Mezzo-soprano
Noah Stewart, Tenor
Phillip Harris, Baritone
Damien Geter, Baritone

Oakland Symphony Chorus
Dr. Lynne Morrow, Chorus Director

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey at 7:05 pm

Approximate concert length: 2 hours, including one intermission

See More Info »

April 2020

Chorus Spring Concert: Passover & Eastertide CANCELLED

Saturday, April 18, 8 pm

Mah Nishtanah
arr. Joshua Jacobson

L’Dor Vador
Meir Finkelstein, arr. Joshua Jacobson

Lo Yisa Goy
arr. Michael Isaacson

Samachti B’Omrim Li
Charles Osborne

Yom Gila
arr. Simon A. Sargon

Y’susum Midbar
David Zahavi, arr. Alice Parker

Sim Shalom
arr. John Leavitt

Praise God, Halleluyah! 
(from Psalm 150 of The Psalms Project)
Robert Schoen

Elohim Hashivenu
Salamon Rossi

Help Us, O Lord (from Four Motets)
Aaron Copland

The Song of the Sea
Cory A. Weiss

Go Down, Moses
arr. David Eddleman

INTERMISSION

Selections from Israel in Egypt
George Frideric Handel

1. He smote all the first-born
2. He led them through the deep
3. But the waters overwhelmed their enemies
4. And Israel saw that great work

Selections from St. Matthew Passion
Johann Sebastian Bach

Selections from The Messiah
George Frideric Handel

1. He trusted in God that He would deliver Him
2. Since by man came death
3. Worthy is the lamb that was slain

See More Info »

March 2020

Brahms/Sphinx Virtuoso CANCELLED

Friday, March 20, 8 pm

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Ballade

Felix Mendelssohn
Violin Concerto 

Rubén Rengel, violin
2018 Sphinx Competition Winner

INTERMISSION 

Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 4

Pre-concert talk from stage by John Kendall Bailey at 7:05 pm

Approximate concert length: 1 hour, 50 minutes including one intermission

See More Info »

February 2020

Mahler/Violins of Hope

Saturday, February 22, 8 pm

ANTONIO VIVALDI 
Concerto in F major for Three Violins and Strings, RV 551

Terrie Baune, violin, Liana Bérubé, violin
Dawn Harms, violin

STEVE MARTLAND 
Crossing the Border
for double string orchestra and ballet dancers

Oakland Ballet Company

INTERMISSION

GUSTAV MAHLER 
Symphony No. 4 in G major

Elena Galván, soloist

Approximate concert length: 2 hours, including one intermission

See More Info »

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Winter Concert

Sunday, February 16, 2 pm

Gabriel Fauré
Pelléas and Mélisande Suite, Op. 80

I.   Prelude
II.  Fileuse
III. Sicilienne
IV. Death of Mélisande

Franz Liszt
Symphonic Poem No. 3 (Les Preludes)

INTERMISSION

Franz Schubert
Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D.759 (Unfinished)

I. Allegro moderato
II. Andante con moto

Arturo Márquez
Danzón No. 2

Side-by-Side with MUSE VIVO Orchestra

 

See More Info »

January 2020

Bernard J. Tyson’s Playlist

Friday, January 24, 8 pm

The Oakland Symphony and Michael Morgan are joined by special guests to pay tribute to the life and vision of Bernard J. Tyson.

With a playlist of music he had personally selected for this concert he was to host. With selections chosen by Michael Morgan to honor Tyson’s memory and legacy. And with readings of Tyson’s own words that inspired so many.

A community-wide tribute to this visionary, who left us far too soon.

 

Please note there will be no pre-concert lecture for this concert

 

See More Info »

Bay Area Youth Orchestra Festival

Sunday, January 19, 3 pm

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra joins local youth orchestras from around the Bay Area at Davies Symphony Hall for an afternoon of virtuosic music making. Experience the exhilaration of hundreds of young musicians performing at their best! Proceeds from the concert will benefit organizations that provide resources to under-served and homeless youth.

See More Info »

Michael Morgan Presents: An Evening of Music by Valerie Coleman, A Benefit for Oakland Symphony

Saturday, January 18, 7 pm

An Evening of Music by Valerie Coleman is an intimate, hour-long performance of music by award-winning composer Valerie Coleman, including a premiere of Coleman’s “Amazonia”, an elegy for the Amazon forests in the wake of climate change. Coleman’s work will be performed by Oakland Symphony musicians, Amy Likar (flute) Diane Maltester (clarinet) and Miles Graber (piano). 

Maestro Michael Morgan will accompany the music, this time as narrator, reciting poems by Langston Hughes.

The performance will be preceded by food offerings by renowned Chef Charlie Vollmar. A cooking class for twelve with Chef Charlie Vollmar will also be auctioned off. 

A portion of the funds raised through ticketing will go to Oakland Symphony.

7:00p – Pre-Concert (food offerings with Chef Charlie Vollmar)

8:00p – Concert

 

Valerie Coleman 

Danza de la Mariposa (2008)

Portraits of Langston (2007)
Based on the poems of Langston Hughes For Flute, Clarinet, and Piano with Narration

I. Prelude: Helen Keller
II. Danse Africaine
III. Le Grand Duc Mambo
IV. Silver Rain
V. Parisian Cabaret
VI. Harlem’s Summer Night

Amazonia (2019)
Simultaneous co-premiere 

Performed by Amy Likar, flute, Diane Maltester, Clarinet and Miles Graber, piano
With Narration provided by Michael Morgan 

Approximate concert length: 1 hour

See More Info »

December 2019

Music of Aretha Franklin – Let Us Break Bread Together

Sunday, December 15, 4 pm

Let Us Break Bread Together
Choral Arr. by Terrance Kelly
Orchestra Arr. by Ellen Hoffman

Oakland Symphony and
Combined Choruses

Lux Aurumque
Eric Whitacre

Mt. Eden High School Concert Choir

Tidings (a cappella)
Arr. by Kevin Fox and Clare Wheeler

Vocal Rush

Daydreaming
Aretha Franklin
Choral Arr. by Lisa Forkish
Orchestra Arr. by Kyle Athayde

Oakland Symphony
Oakland Symphony Chorus
Jazz Mafia

Until You Come Back to Me
Morris Broadnax, Clarence Paul, Stevie Wonder
Arr. by Claytoven Richardson

Oakland Symphony and
The Best Intentions

Silent Night (as performed by The Temptations)
Arr. by Claytoven Richardson

Oakland Symphony and
The Best Intentions

The Little Drummer Boy
Harry Simeone, Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati
Arr. by Ben Heveroh

Oakland Symphony and
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah 
George Frideric Handel

Oakland Symphony and Combined Choruses

INTERMISSION

Sleigh Ride
Leroy Anderson

Oakland Symphony

Stars
Ēriks Ešenvalds

Mt. Eden High School Concert Choir

Ain’t Nobody (Gonna Turn Me Around)
Traditional
Arr. by Matt Wong

Oakland Symphony and
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

Spirit in the Dark (a capella)
Aretha Franklin
Arr. by Lisa Forkish

Vocal Rush

Think (The Blues Brothers version)
Aretha Franklin & Teddy White
Choral Arr. by Lisa Forkish
Orchestra Arr. by Brian Adam McCune

Oakland Symphony,
Mt. Eden High School Concert Choir,
Vocal Rush, Jazz Mafia

Spanish Harlem
Jerry Leiber & Phil Spector
Arr. by Ellen Hoffman

Oakland Symphony, Tiffany Austin,
and Oakland Symphony Chorus

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman 
Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Jerry Wexler
Orchestra Arr. by Brian Adam McCune

Oakland Symphony
Tiffany Austin
Jazz Mafia

Joy To The World 
George Frideric Handel,
Arr. by Lowell Mason / Choral Arr. by Terrance Kelly

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

Respect
Otis Redding
Choral Arr. by Katy Stephan
Orchestra Arr. by Jonathan Seiberlich

Oakland Symphony and Combined Choruses

See More Info »

November 2019

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert

Sunday, November 17, 2 pm

Johannes Brahms
Hungarian Dances Nos. 5 and 6

Ludwig van Beethoven
Coriolan Overture, Op. 62

Jean Sibelius
Finlandia, Op. 26


INTERMISSION

John Adams
The Chairman Dances (Foxtrot for Orchestra)

Anatol Liadov
The Enchanted Lake, Op. 62

Emmanuel Chabrier
España, Rhapsody for Orchestra

See More Info »

Notes from Korea / Grieg Piano Concerto

Friday, November 15, 8 pm

Gabriel Fauré 
Pavane in F sharp minor, Op. 50  

Edvard Grieg
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16

I. Allegro moderato
II. Adagio
III. Allegro moderato molto e marcato

Changyong Shin, piano


INTERMISSION

Texu Kim 
Dub-Sanjo

Jean Ahn
The Woven Silk for haegeum and orchestra

Soo Yeon Lyuh, haegeum

Texu Kim
Blow, Fly, Pop!!

 

Approximate concert length: 1 hour, 50 minutes including one intermission

See More Info »

October 2019

Hot as Hell / Cool Jazz

Friday, October 11, 8 pm

We are aware of and are carefully monitoring the PG&E power outage situation. According to the information provided at this time, both our administrative office and the Paramount Theater will remain open and unaffected, and Friday’s concert will happen as scheduled.

If there are any changes to the situation, all ticket holders will be notified via email, and our website and social media will be updated. Please don’t hesitate to contact our box office at (510) 444-0802 if you have any questions.

PROGRAM

ARRIGO BOITO 
Prologue to Mefistofele

Cody Quattlebaum, bass-baritone

Oakland Symphony Chorus
Dr. Lynne Morrow, Chorus Director

Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
Eric Tuan, Artistic Director

INTERMISSION

JOSIAH WOODSON
From debut album “Suite Elemental”

Terre
Eau

Josiah Woodson, guitar and trumpet

TAYLOR EIGSTI
Theme to the Motion Picture Detachment
Distress/Henry’s Theme
Arr. by Taylor Eigsti

TAYLOR EIGSTI
From the upcoming album Tree Falls
(GSI Records 2020)
Sparky Arr. by Miho Hazama
Plane Over Kansas Arr. by Yuma Sung
Tree Falls Arr. by Taylor Eigsti & Timothy Maurice

Taylor Eigsti, piano
Josiah Woodson, trumpet
Zachary Ostroff, bass
Jason Lewis, drums

BILLY STRAYHORN
Lush Life
Arr. and orchestrated by Matt Wong

Taylor Eigsti, piano
Josiah Woodson, trumpet
Zachary Ostroff, bass
Jason Lewis, drums

RONNIE MATTHEWS
Jean Marie
Arr. and orchestrated by Matt Wong

Taylor Eigsti, piano
Josiah Woodson, trumpet
Zachary Ostroff, bass
Jason Lewis, drums

See More Info »

August 2019

Summer Sing-In Series: Israel in Egypt – Derek Tam, conductor

Wednesday, August 14, 7:00pm

Each Sing-In focuses on a major work or style of music and is open to anyone in the community. It is your opportunity to experience singing in a large chorus and be part of the music-making. Sing-Ins are led by some of the leading conductors in the Bay Area!

To purchase a full series package of all Sing-Ins, click here

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Durufle’s Requiem & Bach’s Mass in B minor Choruses – Robert Geary, conductor

Wednesday, August 7, 7:00pm

Each Sing-In focuses on a major work or style of music and is open to anyone in the community. It is your opportunity to experience singing in a large chorus and be part of the music-making. Sing-Ins are led by some of the leading conductors in the Bay Area!

To purchase a full series package of all Sing-Ins, click here

See More Info »

July 2019

Summer Sing-In Series: Verdi’s Requiem – Lynne Morrow, conductor

Wednesday, July 31, 7:00pm

Each Sing-In focuses on a major work or style of music and is open to anyone in the community. It is your opportunity to experience singing in a large chorus and be part of the music-making. Sing-Ins are led by some of the leading conductors in the Bay Area!

To purchase a full series package of all Sing-Ins, click here

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Handel’s Messiah Choruses, Parts 2 & 3 – William Sauerland, conductor

Wednesday, July 24, 7:00pm

Each Sing-In focuses on a major work or style of music and is open to anyone in the community. It is your opportunity to experience singing in a large chorus and be part of the music-making. Sing-Ins are led by some of the leading conductors in the Bay Area!

To purchase a full series package of all Sing-Ins, click here

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Faure’s Requiem and Boito’s Mefistofele Prologue – Michael Morgan, conductor

Wednesday, July 17, 7:00pm

Each Sing-In focuses on a major work or style of music and is open to anyone in the community. It is your opportunity to experience singing in a large chorus and be part of the music-making. Sing-Ins are led by some of the leading conductors in the Bay Area!

To purchase a full series package of all Sing-Ins, click here

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor – Arnold Lee, conductor

Wednesday, July 10, 7:00pm

Each Sing-In focuses on a major work or style of music and is open to anyone in the community. It is your opportunity to experience singing in a large chorus and be part of the music-making. Sing-Ins are led by some of the leading conductors in the Bay Area!

Conductor Arnold Lee on Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor:

“Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor is one of Mozart’s greatest works and is a true pleasure to sing!  It was written as an expression of Mozart’s love for his wife Constanze. It features spectacular, intense choral movements with wonderful fugues juxtaposed with glorious, delightful arias for the soloists. I’m looking forward to doing this at the Summer Sing-In as it should be lots of fun!”

To purchase a full series package of all Sing-Ins, click here.

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11th Annual Independence Eve Celebration

Wednesday, July 3, Doors Open 6:30pm, Symphony Performance 8:00pm

FAMILY FUN – LIVE MUSIC – FIREWORKS

  • Performances by Oakland Symphony and the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra
  • Family-friendly activities
  • Food and drink available from Assemble Restaurant
  • Fireworks!
  • FREE!

Concert Program:

Star Spangled Banner
John Stafford Smith
arr. Walter Damrosch

March from Superman
John Williams

Fats Waller Medley
arr. Lee Norris

Music from Frozen
Kristen Anderson Lopez/Robert Lopez
arr. Bob Krogstad

Maple Leaf Rag
Scott Joplin
edited by Gunther Schuller

Music from Hello Dolly
Jerry Herman
arr. Frederick Muller

Bohemian Rhapsody
Freddie Mercury
arr. Joel Gonzalez

During Fireworks:

Sousa Marches
John Philip Sousa

Washington Post
King Cotton
Thunderer

Fairest of the Fair
Hands Across the Sea
Stars & Stripes

After Marches:

Sound of Music Medley
Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein
arr. Robert Russell Bennett

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May 2019

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

Sunday, May 19, 2 pm

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Oboe Concerto in C major, K. 314

  1. Allegro aperto

Adrienne Burg, oboe
(2018 Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition First-Place Winner)

Felix Mendelssohn
Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

  1. Allegro molto appassionato

Mingye Wang, violin
(2018 Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition Second-Place Winner)

INTERMISSION

Ralph Vaughan Williams
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Ernest Chausson
Viviane, Op. 5

Zhou Long
The Rhyme of Taigu

See More Info »

West Side Story

Friday, May 10, 8 pm

WEST SIDE STORY

Music by
Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim
Book by
Arthur Laurents

with

Julie Adams – Maria
Bobby Conte Thornton – Tony
Eileen Meredith – Anita
Ryan Bradford – Riff

Oakland Symphony Chorus
Lynne Morrow, Chorus Director

Members of Chabot College Choir
Dr. William Sauerland, Director of Choral & Vocal Studies

Members of Pacific Boychoir Academy
Continuum a cappella high school choir

Steven Blum, Continuum Director

ACT I
Prologue
Jet Song
Something’s Coming
Dance at the Gym
Blues
Promenade
Mambo
Cha-cha
Meeting Scene
Jump
Maria
Tonight
America
Cool
One Hand, One Heart
Tonight Quintet
The Rumble

INTERMISSION

ACT II
Entr’acte
I Feel Pretty
Ballet Sequence
Transition to Scherzo
Scherzo
Somewhere
Procession and Nightmare
Gee, Officer Krupke
A Boy Like That/I Have a Love
Taunting Scene
Finale

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April 2019

Oakland Symphony Chorus Spring Concert Mass for Freedom

Saturday, April 13, 8 pm

Act 1
African American Spirituals and related songs

Amazing Grace
John Newton

Bawo, Thixo Somandla (Father, God Almighty)
South African Hymn

Hear My Prayer
Arr. by Moses Hogan

Soon Ah Will Be Done
Arr. by William Dawson

Abide With Me
Arr. by Moses Hogan

Wade in the Water
Arr. by Moses Hogan

Kumbaya/Come By Here
Hymn

Ain’t Got Time to Die
Hall Johnson

We Shall Overcome
Hymn

Your Hand in Mine
Betty Reid Soskin
Arr.  by Lisa Forkish

Elijah Rock
Arr. by Jester Hairston

I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
Arr. by Moses Hogan
Swen Ervin, soloist

Walk Together, Children
Arr. by Moses Hogan

Act 2
Premiere of commissioned new choral work, based on African American Spirituals for Oakland Symphony Chorus (Dr. Lynne Morrow) and chamber ensemble

Mass for Freedom
Michael T. Roberts

I. Kyrie – Come by Here
II. Gloria – Woke Up This Mornin’ With My Mind Stayed on Freedom
III. Credo – Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round
IV. Sanctus – Ain’t Got Time to Die
V. Agnus Dei – We Shall Overcome

The text of Mass for Freedom combines the traditional spirituals with selected text from the Latin Mass Ordinary (in English translation) and additional words by the composer.

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March 2019

I Raise Up My Voice

Friday, March 22, 8 pm

Jessie Montgomery
Banner

Louise Farrenc
Symphony No. 3

INTERMISSION

Leonard Bernstein
Songfest
   with Adler Fellows

Mary Evelyn Hangley, soprano
Natalie Image, soprano
Ashley Dixon, mezzo-soprano
Chris Oglesby, tenor
SeokJong Baek, baritone
Christian Pursell, bass-baritone

See More Info »

February 2019

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Winter Concert

Sunday, February 24, 2 pm

José Pablo Moncayo
Huapango

Lowell Liebermann
Piccolo concerto, Op. 50

Arturo Rodriguez, piccolo

Leonard Bernstein
Candide Suite (Arr. Charlie Harmon)

INTERMISSION

Alex Conde
Commission

Nayeli Cuiriz Galvan,
Youth Speaks poet

José Luis de la Paz
Avalon Suite for Flamenco Guitar and Orchestra
(Arr. Alex Conde)

José Luis de la Paz,
flamenco guitar

 

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Sí Se Puede: Dolores Huerta’s Playlist

Friday, February 22, 8 pm

PLEASE NOTE: Carlos Santana WILL NOT be performing. We are working with the papers that incorrectly reported this to ensure the articles are corrected. We are excited for the Oakland Symphony, along with Jazz Mafia, to present Santana’s song “Novus” on Friday evening.

Novus
Carlos Santana
Arr. Adam Theis

Oakland Symphony, Jazz Mafia, and William Moses, soloist

Imagine
John Lennon
Arr. Matt Wong

Oakland Symphony, Jazz Mafia, and Solas Lalgee, soloist

Rhapsody in Blue
George Gershwin

Oakland Symphony and Taylor Eigsti, piano

Come Sunday from Black, Brown and Beige
Duke Ellington

Oakland Symphony, Jazz Mafia, and Tiffany Austin, soloist

Jazz Medley
Charlie Parker
Arr. Matt Wong

Jazz Mafia

Firebird
Igor Stravinsky

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra
Omid Zoufonoun, conductor

Manteca
Dizzy Gillespie, Chano Pozo
Arr. Colin Hogan                   

Oakland Symphony and Jazz Mafia

God Bless The Child
Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog, Jr.
Arr. Matt Wong

Symphony, Jazz Mafia, and Tiffany Austin, soloist

Carmen  – Habanera
Georges Bizet

Oakland Symphony and Briseyda Zárate, flamenco dancer

This Little Light of Mine
Harry Dixon Loes
Arr. Jonathan Seiberlich

Oakland Symphony, Jazz Mafia and Audience Sing-along

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An Evening with Emanuel Ax

Friday, February 8, 8 pm

Ludwig van Beethoven
Overture to Egmont, Op. 84

Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15

Emanuel Ax, piano

INTERMISSION

Ludwig van Beethoven
Coriolanus Overture, Op. 62

Ludwig van Beethoven
Prisoners’ Chorus from Act I of Fidelio

David Chavez, tenor
William Lawley, baritone

Oakland Symphony Chorus
Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus

Ludwig van Beethoven
Choral Fantasy in C major, Op. 80

Emanuel Ax, piano

Katherine Crabill, soprano
Karen Notovitz, soprano
William Sauerland, alto
David Chavez, tenor
Lorenzo Ramsey, tenor
William Lawley, baritone

Oakland Symphony Chorus 
Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus 
MUSE VIVO Orchestra

Don’t see the seats you want? VIP seats are still available! Contact the box office for booking.

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January 2019

To Belong Here: Notes from the African Diaspora

Friday, January 25, 8 pm

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Symphony No. 1 in G major, Op. 11
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro assai

Antonio Carlos Gomes
C’era una volta un principe from Il Guarany

Shawnette Sulker, soprano

William Grant Still
Songs of Separation
I. Idolatry
II. Poéme
III. Parted
        Shawnette Sulker, soprano

INTERMISSION

Florence Price
Symphony No. 3 in C minor
I. Andante
II. Andante ma non troppo
III. Juba: Allegro
IV. Scherzo: Finale

Edward Kennedy (Duke) Ellington
Harlem

 

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December 2018

Swing and Soul – Let Us Break Bread Together

Sunday, December 16, 4 pm

Michael Morgan’s “inspired, multifarious, musical bash” takes its inspiration this year from the peerless soul of Nina Simone and the boogie-woogie of Fats Domino. Special guests abound in this annual rollicking holiday party. Concert features Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Mt. Eden High School Concert Choir, Oakland Symphony Chorus, and more.

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November 2018

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert

Sunday, November 18, 2 pm

Gioacchino Rossini 
Overture to Il Viaggio a Reims (The Journey to Rheims) 

  Michael Morgan, conductor

Camille Saint-Saëns
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33

  Eamon Riley, cello

Julius Klengel 
Hymnus for 12 cellos, Op. 57

Igor Stravinsky
The Firebird Suite No. 2 (1919)

See More Info »

Brahms’ Requiem

Friday, November 16, 8 pm

Leonard Bernstein Requiem for Ghost Ship
“Take Care of This House” from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Patricia Westley, soprano

Richard Marriott
Ghost Ship Concerto for Cello and Orchestra
(World Premiere)

Matthew Linaman, cello

Johannes Brahms
Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem), Op. 45

  Patricia Westley, soprano
  Robert Sims, baritone


  Oakland Symphony Chorus
  Lynne Morrow, Chorus Director

   Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus
   William Sauerland, Artistic Director

 

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The 2018 Oakland Symphony Gala

Saturday, November 10, 6 pm

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October 2018

Reclaiming My Time

Friday, October 12, 8 pm

Leonard Bernstein Reclaiming My Time
Three Dance Episodes from On the Town

Sergei Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18

   Stewart Goodyear, piano

Dmitri Shostakovich
Symphony No. 5, Op. 47

See More Info »

September 2018

Chorus Open Rehearsals

Wednesday, September 12, 7:30 pm

See More Info »

August 2018

Summer Sing-In Series: Faure & Durufle Requiems, Andrew Brown, Director, Pacific Boychoir Academy, conductor

Wednesday, August 15, 7:00-9:30pm

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Verdi’s Requiem, Lynne Morrow, conductor

Wednesday, August 8, 7:00-9:30pm

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Handel’s Messiah, Arnold Lee, conductor

Wednesday, August 1, 7:00-9:30pm

See More Info »

July 2018

Summer Sing-In Series: Rachmaninoff-Vespers, Kevin Fox, Director, Marin Symphony Chorus, conductor

Wednesday, July 25, 7:00-9:30pm

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Brahms’ Requiem, Michael Morgan, conductor

Wednesday, July 18, 7:00-9:30pm

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Mozart’s Requiem, Valerie Sainte-Agathe, conductor

Wednesday, July 11, 7:00-9:30 pm

See More Info »

June 2018

Mixtape, Vol 4: Amplify

Thursday, June 14, 8 pm

See More Info »

May 2018

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

Sunday, May 20, 2 pm

Michael Giacchino
Star Trek

Side-by-Side with Oakland School for the Arts

Max Bruch
Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26

III. Finale: Allegro energico

Isabel Pulido, violin
(2nd place Concerto Competition Winner)

Dimitri Shostakovich
Symphony No.5, Op.47

  1. Moderato—Allegro non troppo
  2. Allegretto
  3. Largo
  4. Allegro non troppo

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The Artist’s Struggle

Friday, May 18, 8 pm

Leonard Bernstein
Serenade after Plato’s “Symposium”  for Violin & Orchestra

Liana Bérubé, violin

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 6 ‘Pathétique’ in B minor, Op 74  

Free pre-concert talk begins at 7 pm

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Mixtape, Vol 3: Future Forward

Thursday, May 10, 8 pm

See More Info »

April 2018

Oakland Symphony Chorus Spring Concert

Saturday, April 14, 8 pm

Songs of Freedom

Abide With Me
Words by Henry F. Lyte, 1847
Music by William H. Monk, 1861
Arr. Moses Hogan

Ain’t That Good News
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Moses Hogan

Every Time I Feel the Spirit
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Moses Hogan

Exsultate Deo  
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
Edited by John Finley Williams

Deep River
Negro Spiritual
Arr. Brian Trant

De Profundis
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Moses Hogan

My Lord, What a Morning
Negro Spiritual
Harmonized and Arranged by H. T. Burleigh

Pater Noster
Igor Stravinsky

Hear My Prayer
Words and Music by Moses Hogan

Do Lord Remember Me
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Moses Hogan

My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Moses Hogan

Sicut Cervus
Palestrina  

Wade in the Water
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Moses Hogan

Super flumina Babylonis
Palestrina  

Steal Away
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Moses Hogan

In Dat Great Gittin’ Up Mornin’
Jester Hairston (1901-2000)

INTERMISSION

Hush!
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Alice Parker

Elijah Rock
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Jester Hairston

Standing in the Need of Prayer
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Moses Hogan

Ain’t Got Time to Die
Words and Music by Hall Johnson
Arr. John Purifoy

Exaltabo te, Domine
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

I Want Jesus to Walk w/Me
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Moses Hogan

O Salutaris Hostia
Gioacchino Rossini
Edited by Herbert Zipper

Soon Ah Will Be Done
William Dawson

Locus Iste
Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)

Ezekiel Saw de Wheel
William L. Dawson
Set for Chorus by William L. Dawson

Amazing Grace
John Newton, 1779
Arr. Edwin O. Excell  (1851-1921)

Walk Together, Children
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Moses Hogan

Oakland Symphony Chorus
Lynne Morrow, Chorus Director

African American spirituals date back to 1600’s colonial America, making them contemporaneous with well-known European choral works. Tonight’s concert interlaces the music by theme, showing the Spirituals next to other works exploring similar religious topics such as: spiritual longing, the importance of water, and vigorous praise of God.

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March 2018

Rooted in Oakland

Friday, March 23, 8 pm

Gioachino Rossini
The Barber of Seville Overture
Side-by-Side with
MUSE VIVO Orchestra

Franz Schubert
Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D

George Frederick Bristow
Overture to Rip Van Winkle

Kev Choice
Soul Restoration Suite
(World Premiere, Oakland Symphony Commission)

Damon “Dame Drummer” Taylor, drums; Uriah Duffy, bass; Andrew Levin, guitar; Derrick “D Sharp” Robinson, DJ; Michael Blankenship, keyboardsViveca Hawkins, vocals; Jennifer Johns, vocals;  Oakland School For The Arts Vocal Music Department, chorus

Free pre-concert talk begins at 7 pm

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Mixtape, Vol 2: Soul Restoration

Friday, March 9, 8 pm

See More Info »

February 2018

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Winter Concert

Sunday, February 11, 2 pm

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Symphony No. 2, Op. 9 (Antar)

Ludwig van Beethoven
Overture to Egmont, Op. 84

George Walker
Lyric for Strings

Franz Liszt  
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C minor
(arr. Müller-Berghaus)

See More Info »

Pride & Prejudice: Notes from LGBTQ

Friday, February 9, 8 pm

Michelle Meow, Master of Ceremonies

Samuel Barber
First Essay for Orchestra, Op. 12

Bryan Nies, conductor

Benjamin Britten
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31

Jonathan Blalock, tenor
(Appearance is underwritten by Michael Colbruno)
Meredith Brown, horn

Jennifer Higdon
blue cathedral

Bryan Nies, conductor

Camille Saint Saёns
Piano Concerto No. 2

Sara Davis Buechner, piano
(Appearance is underwritten by the Ross McKee Foundation)

Tim Rosser and Charlie Sohne
With The Right Music: A Song Cycle
World Premiere, Commissioned by Oakland Symphony
Orchestrations by Matt Aument

Noah Galvin, singer
Katelyn Wilson, soprano
Shayla Lawler,
alto
Taylor Rawley, tenor 1
Alex Perkins,
tenor 2
Brandon Bell, baritone

Special Appearance by Jonathan Cozart
(Appearance is underwritten by Jim and Bonnie Bell)

Free pre-concert talk begins at 6:45 pm

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Mixtape, Vol 1: Femme Fatale

Thursday, February 1, 8 pm

See More Info »

January 2018

W. Kamau Bell’s Playlist

Friday, January 19, 8 pm

Lift Every Voice & Sing
James Weldon Johnson
Oakland Symphony,
Oakland Symphony Chorus Chamber Singers

I Love My Life
Todd Rundgren
Arr.  Matt Wong, Jazz Mafia
Oakland Symphony,
Jazz Mafia featuring Sólás B. Lalgee

Feeling Good
Nina Simone
Arr. Tarik Ragab & MoeTar
Jazz Mafia featuring Moorea Dickason & MoeTar

Flight of the Bumblebee
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Oakland Symphony

Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Moses Hogan
Oakland Symphony Chorus Chamber Singers, Flute, Piano

Take Me With You/Let’s Go Crazy Medley
Prince
Arr. Jazz Mafia
Jazz Mafia featuring Yvette Pylant & Sólás B. Lalgee

INTERMISSION

Sabre Dance
Aram Khachaturian
Oakland Symphony

Mississippi Goddamn
Nina Simone
Orchestration by Adam Theis
Vocal Arr. Tossie Long, Sólás B. Lalgee
Oakland Symphony, Jazz Mafia featuring Tossie Long, Zakiya Harris, Sólás B. Lalgee

Power of Soul
Jimi Hendrix
Arr. Adam Theis, Jazz Mafia
Oakland Symphony,
Jazz Mafia featuring Sólás B. Lalgee

Three Little Birds
Bob Marley
T-Sisters

Pride
Living Colour
Arr. Adam Theis, Jazz Mafia
Oakland Symphony,
Jazz Mafia featuring Sólás B. Lalgee

A Love Supreme Pt 1 (Acknowledgement)
John Coltrane
Arr. Matt Wong, Jazz Mafia
Oakland Symphony, Oakland Symphony Chorus Chamber Singers,
Jazz Mafia featuring Tommy Occhiuto, tenor sax

Sowing the Seeds of Love
Tears for Fears
Arr. Jonathan Seiberlich, Jazz Mafia
Choral Arr. Sólás B. Lalgee
Oakland Symphony,
Oakland Symphony Chorus Chamber Singers
Jazz Mafia featuring Sólás B. Lalgee

Socio-political comedian, activist, and Emmy-nominated CNN host W. Kamau Bell kicks off our groundbreaking new series inviting the major thinkers of our time to host and curate a concert and give us unique insights into their passions. This series will be a musical  journey to unexpected and uncharted territory with your Oakland Symphony!

NOTE: The usual pre-concert talk will not be taking place before this concert.

See More Info »

December 2017

Hallelujah! Let Us Break Bread Together

Sunday, December 10, 4 pm

Celebrate life, love and the holidays with your community and Oakland Symphony!  Presented alongside over 200 voices from four different choirs and an electric mix of additional guest artists, this year’s concert pays tribute to musical legends Prince and Leonard Cohen in a joyful mash-up of the traditional and unexpected.

Let Us Break Bread Together
Choral arr. Terrance Kelly
Orchestra arr. Ellen Hoffman
Combined Choruses, Oakland Symphony, and Terrance Kelly

Do You Hear What I Hear
arr. Camp Kirkland and Jay Rouse
Mt. Eden High School Concert Choir

Nothing Compares 2 U
Prince
arr. Noah Luna
Oakland Symphony Chorus

7
Prince
Diana Gameros

Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child (traditional)
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

Old World Holiday Song 2017
Dan Cantrell
Kugelplex

Anthem
Leonard Cohen
arr. Miles Jay
Oakland Symphony, Vocal Rush

Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
arr. Ellen Hoffman
Linda Tillery, piano & strings

Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah
George Frideric Handel
Mary-Jo Knight, guest conductor

I N T E R M I S S I O N

Sleigh Ride
Leroy Anderson
Oakland Symphony

I Would Die 4 You
Prince
Vocal Rush

Thieves in the Temple
Prince
arr. Miles Jay
Oakland Symphony, Mt. Eden High School Concert Choir

Sing Another Song, Boys
Leonard Cohen
Kugelplex

If It Be Your Will
Leonard Cohen
arr. Ellen Hoffman
Oakland Symphony Chorus, Members of Oakland Symphony

Anthem of Praise
Richard Smallwood
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Oakland Symphony

Purple Rain
Prince
arr. Ellen Hoffman
Terrance Kelly, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Oakland Symphony

Let’s Go Crazy/Delirious
Prince
arr. Anais Azul
Combined Choruses, Oakland Symphony

See More Info »

November 2017

Love & Loss

Friday, November 17, 8 pm

Jonah M. Gallagher
Vocare

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550

Gioacchino Rossini
Stabat Mater

Shawnette Sulker, soprano
Betany Coffland, mezzo-soprano
Thomas Glenn, tenor
Aaron Sorensen, bass

Oakland Symphony Chorus
Lynne Morrow, Chorus Director

Free pre-concert talk begins at 7:00 pm

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Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert

Sunday, November 12, 7 pm

GIOACHINO ROSSINI
Overture to La gazza ladra
(The Thieving Magpie)

with Michael Morgan, conductor

EDWARD ELGAR
“Nimrod” from Variations on an Original
Theme, Op. 36

EDOUARD LALO
Symphonie Espagnole in D minor, Op. 21
I. Allegro non troppo

with Lauren Kim, violin

ANTONIN DVORÁK
Slavonic Dance No. 7 in C minor, Op. 46: Allegro assai

Slavonic Dance No. 8 in A-flat major, Op. 72:
Grazioso e lento, ma non troppo,quasi tempo di Valse

Slavonic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46: Presto

JOHANNES BRAHMS
Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80

See More Info »

October 2017

Icons/Iconoclasts

Friday, October 20, 8 pm

Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Dmitri Shostakovich
Symphony No. 15 in A major, Op. 141

Free pre-concert talk begins at 7:00 pm

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August 2017

Summer Sing-In Series: Mozart’s Requiem & Music of Greg Murai, Arnold Lee, conductor

Wednesday, August 16, 7:00-9:30pm

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor, Sanford Dole, conductor

Wednesday, August 9, 7:00-9:30pm

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Bach Magnificat & Musical Theater, Bryan Nies, conductor

Wednesday, August 2, 7:00-9:30pm

See More Info »

July 2017

Summer Sing-In Series: Beethoven Mass in C, Buddy James, conductor

Wednesday, July 26, 7:00-9:30pm

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Fauré & Rachmaninoff, Marika Kuzma, conductor

Wednesday, July 19, 7:00-9:30pm

See More Info »

Summer Sing-In Series: Brahms’ Requiem, Michael Morgan, conductor

Wednesday, July 12, 7:00-9:30pm

Attend all 2017 Summer Sing-Ins! When you click here and purchase the full series, you will attend all six sing-ins for the price of five ($75 for all 6).

In the first session of the 2017 Summer Sing-Ins, Michael Morgan will conduct Brahms’ Requiem.

A German Requiem (Ein deutsches Requiem), by Johannes Brahms, is a large-scale, seven movement work for chorus and 2 soloists. A German Requiem is sacred but non-liturgical: Brahms himself chose the texts from the Martin Luther Bible. It is unlike the traditional Latin Requiem, as its title states: Brahms’ Requiem is in the German language. Brahms also created a piano 4-hand accompaniment.

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June 2017

The Family Stone & Oakland Symphony

Monday, June 12, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

The Family Stone and Oakland Symphony are coming together for an exciting Rock Symphony Concert that is truly going to be one-of-a-kind. The concert is hosted by the San Mateo County Fair.

We have reserved seating for this concert at tables, which will feature appetizers, and one bottle of red wine and one bottle of white wine for our 21+ crowd. It is set to be a magical evening that is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

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May 2017

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

Sunday, May 21, 2 pm

ERICH WOLFGANG KORNGOLD
Concerto for Violin & Orchestra

Diane Jo, violin
Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition Winner

DANIEL WERTH
Symphony No. 1
Young Composers Competition Winner

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5

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Guys & Dolls in Concert

Friday, May 19, 8 pm

RICHARD RODGERS Oklahoma! Overture
RICHARD RODGERS The Carousel Waltz

Bryan Nies, Conductor

FRANK LOESSER Guys & Dolls

ACT 1

Sky Masterson: Ben Jones
Sister Sarah Brown: Annie Sherman 
Miss. Adelaide: Tami Dahbura 
Nathan Detroit: Jack Wilkins
Nicely-Nicely Johnson: J. Raymond Meyers 
Benny Southstreet: Adam Flowers
Arvide Abernathy: Joe Wicht
Rusty Charlie: Robert Blake 
Oakland Symphony Chorus

Michael Morgan, Conductor

INTERMISSION

JULE STYNE Overture to Gypsy

Bryan Nies, Conductor

FRANK LOESSER Guys & Dolls

ACT 2

Sky Masterson: Ben Jones
Sister Sarah Brown: Annie Sherman 
Miss. Adelaide: Tami Dahbura 
Nathan Detroit: Jack Wilkins
Nicely-Nicely Johnson: J. Raymond Meyers 
Benny Southstreet: Adam Flowers
Arvide Abernathy: Joe Wicht
Rusty Charlie: Robert Blake 
Oakland Symphony Chorus

Michael Morgan, Conductor

 

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Crossover Cabaret: A Night of Role Reversals in Musical Theater

Tuesday, May 9, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

What happens when some of the Bay Area’s best performers interpret their favorite tunes they would never be cast to sing?

Crossover Cabaret smashes stereotypes in this fab evening of role-reversing entertainment. Songs are selected completely regardless of gender, image, age, and all preconceived notions. Thought-provoking, hilarious, and inspirational–this group of artists, hosted by Oakland Symphony’s irrepressible Michael Morgan, give each popular and familiar number their own interpretation.

Selections From:
Funny Girl, Show Boat, Yentil, Ballroom, How the Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Music Man, La Cage aux Folles, West Side Story, Hamilton and more!

Featured Artists Include:
Trente Morant
Bryan Nies
Heather Orth
Members of Oakland School for the Arts
Nick Quintell
Katy Stephan
Joe Wicht
Members of YMTC – Youth Musical Theater Company

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March 2017

Dvořák’s New World Symphony

Friday, March 31, 8 pm

GABRIELA LENA FRANK Concertino Cusqueño

This performance is supported by a generous grant from Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy

ANTON BRUCKNER Te Deum

Hope Briggs, soprano
Betany Coffland, mezzo-soprano
Amitai Pati, tenor
Anthony Reed
, bass
Oakland Symphony Chorus
Saint Mary’s College Chamber Singers & Glee Club

ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9 in E Minor
                                  (From the New World)

 

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Sanctuary: A Conversation About Home

Tuesday, March 14, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Oakland Symphony invites all to “Sanctuary: A Conversation About Home.” Told through music and conversation, the evening is a dialogue about present day safe cities and immigrants in the United States. This free community event highlights the stories and songs of those who have left their home to pursue a new life in another country.

Featured Artists Include:
String Quartet of Oakland Symphony
Oakland Symphony Chorus Chamber Singers
Great Wall Youth Orchestra
Omid Zoufonoun
Diana Gameros

 

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February 2017

Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Winter Concert

Sunday, February 26, 2 pm

AARON COPLAND Selections from Rodeo

Saturday Night Waltz
Hoe-Down

MUSE VIVO Orchestra

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 1

Eunice Lee, piano

ALEX CONDE Concierto para piano flamenco y orquesta

Luis Manuel Gonzales Peralta, piano

ALEXANDER GLAZUNOV Symphony No. 5, op. 55, B-flat Major

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Notes from Native America

Friday, February 24, 8 pm

PROGRAM

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 9

Feather Dances 

SuNuNu Shinal Traditional dancers from
Kashia Stewarts Point Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians

JEROD IMPICHCHAACHAAHA’ TATE
Lowak Shoppala’ – Fire and Light

Hymn

Vincent Medina, narrator
Members of Oakland Symphony Chorus

JOHN CHRISTOPHER WINEGLASS Big Sur: The Night Sun

Emiliano Campobello, native flute
Marcie Chapa, world percussionist
Jayson Fann, world percussionist
Kanyon Sayers-Roods, Native American singer
from the Costanoan Ohlone and Chumash Tribes

JEROD IMPICHCHAACHAAHA’ TATE
Lowak Shoppala’ – Fire and Light

Clans

Vincent Medina, narrator
Members of Oakland Symphony Chorus

 

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OakSym Essentials: Notes from Native America (free preview concert)

Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 pm

This month we are presenting music, dance, and food of Native American culture. The audience will have the opportunity to explore music in an engaging new way, directly interacting with the musicians.

The evening will feature a presentation and performance by Emmy award-winning composer John Wineglass, highlighting movements to set the mood for the tone poem: the “Mystery of the Night Sun.” Featuring native vocalist Emiliano Campobello, storytelling by Vincent Medina and native drumming and dance performance by All Nations Drum.

The free performance will take place at the Intertribal Friendship House. Wahpepah’s Kitchen (as seen on Chopped) will be serving delicious Native American cuisine during the reception.

Doors will open at 6:30 PM for pre-show refreshments. The performance will begin at 7:00 PM, followed by a fireside chat with Maestro Michael Morgan and the performers.

Seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP to secure a spot.

RSVP here on EventBrite

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December 2016

Let Us Break Bread Together – Music from the Era of the Black Panthers

Sunday, December 11, 4 pm

 

Let Us Break Bread Together
Orchestra arr. Ellen Hoffman, Choral arr. Terrance Kelly

Combined choruses, Oakland Symphony,
and Terrance Kelly

Awesome Holiday Song
Composed and arranged by Kugelplex

Kugelplex

Merry Christmas!  (from Home Alone II)
arr. John Williams

Mt. Eden High School Concert Choir, Oakland Symphony

What’s Going On?
Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Al Cleveland, and Marvin Gaye
Orchestra arr.  Ellen Hoffman, Choral arr. Terrance Kelly

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Oakland Symphony

Rise Up
Andra Day, arr. William David Southall

Vocal Rush

Little Ghetto Boy   
Donny Hathaway
arr.  Ellen Hoffman   

Linda Tillery
Tammy Lynne Hall-Hawkins, piano
Ruth Davies, bass
Leon Joyce, drums

Oakland Symphony

Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah
George Frideric Handel

Harry Gray, guest conductor

Hallelujah: from Messiah (A Soulful Celebration)
George Frideric Handel
arr. Andrew Chukerman, choral arr. Warren, Jackson and Kibble
Adapted by John Higgins

Oakland Symphony Chorus, Oakland Symphony

INTERMISSION

Sleigh Ride Leroy Anderson

Oakland Symphony

All I Want for Christmas is You
Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff
arr. Lisa Forkish

Vocal Rush

Lux Aurorum (from Paradise Lost) Eric Whitacre

Mt. Eden High School Concert Choir

Winter Wonderland Felix Bernard
lyrics Richard B. Smith

Linda Tillery & Friends

Zog Nit Keyn Mol  (Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Song)
Hirsh Glick, arr. by Kugelplex

Kugelplex and Linda Tillery

Lean on Me Bill Withers
Everyday People Sylvester (Sly) Stewart
People Make the World Go Round medley
Thomas Bell and Linda Creed arr. Ellen Hoffman

Oakland Symphony Chorus, Oakland Symphony

A Change is Gonna Come Sam Cooke
arr. Ellen Hoffman

Mt. Eden High School Concert Choir, Oakland Symphony

Soloist: Myrell Milanes

Deck The Halls arr. Terrance Kelly

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

Stand! Sylvester (Sly) Stewart
arr. Brian Adam McCune

Combined Choruses, Oakland Symphony

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OakSym Essentials: Music from the Era of the Black Panthers

Thursday, December 1, 6 pm

Reflect back on the on the protest music from the 60’s and 70’s. Experience a unique performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther movement. Come join OakSym Essentials on December 1st for a free performance at Oaktown Jazz Workshops.

The event will feature performances from vocalist and cultural historian Linda Tillery, Jason Ditzian and members of the Kugelplex, and students from Oaktown Jazz Workshops.

Doors will open at 6:00 PM for pre-show refreshments. The performance will begin at 6:30 PM, followed by a fireside chat with Maestro Michael Morgan and the performers.

Seating is limited, so be sure to RSVP to secure a spot.

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November 2016

Lost Romantic Symphonies

Friday, November 18, 8 pm

GEORGE GERSHWIN Cuban Overture
    with Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra

SIEGFRIED MATTHUS Violin Concerto:
                        Dream of a Summer Night (U.S. Premiere)
    with Kelly Hall-Tompkins, violin

JOHN WILLIAMS Theme from Schindler’s List,
                        selection from Fiddler on the Roof

with Kelly Hall-Tompkins, violin

JOACHIM RAFF Symphony No. 3

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It’s in the Stars: Songs of Fate

Saturday, November 12, 8 pm

SAMUEL BARBER Sure on This Shining Night

RAFAEL INCIARTE Rumbamban

GEORGE GERSHWIN Our Love is Here to Stay
    arranged by Darmon Meader
with Oakland Symphony Chorus

PAUL DUKAS Fanfare from La Péri

JOHANNES BRAHMS Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny), Op 54
with Oakland Symphony Chorus

GEORGE GERSHWIN Cuban Overture

GEORGES BIZET Carmen: Suites No. 1 and 2

 

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OakSym Essentials: Free String Quartet Performance at Impact Hub Oakland

Wednesday, November 9, 6 pm - 8 pm

OakSym Essentials is a new event series bringing passionate musicians and audiences together to engage and develop a personal connection with classical music. Enjoy an intimate atmosphere as we feature the elegant sounds of the Oakland Symphony string quartet; playing an acoustic session featuring movements from Romantic composer Joachim Raff’s Symphony No. 3.

 

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Chromatic: 2016 Oakland Symphony Gala

Saturday, November 5,

See More Info »

October 2016

Hadleigh Adams Sings Mahler

Friday, October 14, 8 pm

CLARK SUPRYNOWICZ Red States, Blue States

PAUL JUON Episodes Concertantes, op. 45
    with the Delphi Trio

GUSTAV MAHLER Rückert Lieder
    with Hadleigh Adams, baritone

EDWARD ELGAR In the South

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OakSym Essentials: The Delphi Trio at Piedmont Piano Co.

Thursday, October 6, 6:00-8:00pm

Join us on October 6, 2016 at the Piedmont Piano Company for the OakSym Essentials season opener – an opportunity to see the Oakland Symphony from a new perspective.

Featuring the “spot-on ensemble playing and a beautifully blended sound” of the Delphi Trio, this OakSym Essentials previews the first concert of the 2016/2017 season, “Hadleigh Adams Sings Mahler.” Join us for an intro by Oakland Symphony Music Director, Michael Morgan before the show and a fireside chat with Maestro Morgan and the Delphi Trio after the concert.

Doors will open at 6:00 PM for pre-show refreshments. The performance will begin at 6:30, followed by a Q&A session with Michael Morgan and the Delphi Trio. This is your chance to meet the artists whose work runs the gamut from touring with musician John Vanderslice, to winning the 2015 Orlando Concours in the Netherlands. Be sure to stay until the end of the program for a few surprises for attendees!

Piedmont Piano Company is located at 1728 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA. Seating is limited, so be sure to get there early.

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August 2016

Summer Sing-ins: Purcell & Schubert, William Sauerland, conductor

Wednesday, August 17, 7:00-9:30pm

In the sixth and final session of the 2016 Summer Sing-Ins, William Sauerland will conduct Purcell’s Come Ye Sons of Art and Schubert’s Mass No. 2.

Come Ye Sons of Art, also known as Ode for Queen Mary’s birthday, is the last musical ode written by Henry Purcell in 1694, in honor of the Queen’s birthday.

Schubert’s Mass in G is one of his popular short masses. He composed this six-movement work in one week.

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Summer Sing-Ins: Verdi’s Requiem, Michael Morgan, conductor

Wednesday, August 10, 7:00-9:30pm

In the fifth session of the 2016 Summer Sing-Ins, Michael Morgan will conduct Verdi’s Requiem..

Verdi’s Messa da Requiem is a musical setting of the Catholic funeral mass for double chorus and four soloists. It was composed in memory of Alessandro Manzoni, an Italian poet and novelist whom Verdi admired. Verdi originally wrote one of the movements in remembrance of Rossini; it was part of a mixed mass project with 13 different composers, which never came to pass. The work was at one time called the Manzoni Requiem. It is rarely performed in a religious service, and is usually in concert form.

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Festival Opera – Abduction From the Seraglio

Tuesday, August 9, 2:00pm

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Saturday night performance of Festival Opera – Abduction From the Seraglio had to be cancelled. Ticket holders for this performance may exchange their ticket for either Monday or Tuesday’s performance at no charge. Please call the box office (510) 444-0802 to reserve your ticket. Or bring the Saturday ticket to the box office table on either Monday or Tuesday to exchange it for the current performance.

Tickets will be on sale online up to 1 hour before each performance. After that time, please purchase tickets at the door.

It’s Mozart with a Twist, as Festival Opera Gears Up For an Out-of-This-World 25th Anniversary!

Mozart’s Abduction From the Seraglio will be presented Friday, Saturday and Monday, August 5, 6 and 8, at 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m., in the Regents’ Theatre, Valley Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus of Holy Names University in Oakland.

All performances are in English, with English supertitles. Regents’ Theatre is wheelchair and ADA accessible. For more information visit festivalopera.org.

 

See More Info »

Festival Opera – Abduction From the Seraglio

Monday, August 8, 8:00pm

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Saturday night performance of Festival Opera – Abduction From the Seraglio had to be cancelled. Ticket holders for this performance may exchange their ticket for either Monday or Tuesday’s performance at no charge. Please call the box office (510) 444-0802 to reserve your ticket. Or bring the Saturday ticket to the box office table on either Monday or Tuesday to exchange it for the current concert.

Tickets will be on sale online up to 1 hour before each performance. After that time, please purchase tickets at the door.

It’s Mozart with a Twist, as Festival Opera Gears Up For an Out-of-This-World 25th Anniversary!

Mozart’s Abduction From the Seraglio will be presented Friday, Saturday and Monday, August 5, 6 and 8, at 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m., in the Regents’ Theatre, Valley Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus of Holy Names University in Oakland.

All performances are in English, with English supertitles. Regents’ Theatre is wheelchair and ADA accessible. For more information visit festivalopera.org.

 

See More Info »

Festival Opera – Abduction From the Seraglio

Saturday, August 6, 8:00pm

Tickets will be on sale online up to 1 hour before each performance. After that time, please purchase tickets at the door.

It’s Mozart with a Twist, as Festival Opera Gears Up For an Out-of-This-World 25th Anniversary!

Mozart’s Abduction From the Seraglio will be presented Friday, Saturday and Monday, August 5, 6 and 8, at 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m., in the Regents’ Theatre, Valley Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus of Holy Names University in Oakland.

All performances are in English, with English supertitles. Regents’ Theatre is wheelchair and ADA accessible. For more information visit festivalopera.org.

The Opening Night Dinner will be at 5:30 pm in the Valley Center for the Performing Arts – the same building that houses the Regents’ Theater. Cost is $100 per person; tickets for the performance are additional, and must be purchased separately.

Menu choices include chicken, fish or vegetarian entrées. Wines are included for those 21 and up. Diners may also join Festival OperaSostenutoSociety members for complimentary intermission refreshments (included in dinner ticket).

Our special guests at the dinner will be stage director Josh Shaw. Please, join us and enjoy a perfect “meet and mingle” time before the show.

See More Info »

Festival Opera – Abduction From the Seraglio

Friday, August 5, 8:00pm

It’s Mozart with a Twist, as Festival Opera Gears Up For an Out-of-This-World 25th Anniversary!

Mozart’s Abduction From the Seraglio will be presented Friday, Saturday and Monday, August 5, 6 and 8, at 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m., in the Regents’ Theatre, Valley Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus of Holy Names University in Oakland.

All performances are in English, with English supertitles. Regents’ Theatre is wheelchair and ADA accessible. For more information visit festivalopera.org.

The Opening Night Dinner will be at 5:30 pm in the Valley Center for the Performing Arts – the same building that houses the Regents’ Theater. Cost is $100 per person; tickets for the performance are additional, and must be purchased separately.

Menu choices include chicken, fish or vegetarian entrées. Wines are included for those 21 and up. Diners may also join Festival OperaSostenutoSociety members for complimentary intermission refreshments (included in dinner ticket).

Our special guests at the dinner will be stage director Josh Shaw. Please, join us and enjoy a perfect “meet and mingle” time before the show.

See More Info »

Festival Opera – Opening Night Dinner

Friday, August 5, 5:30pm

The Opening Night Dinner will be at 5:30 pm in the Valley Center for the Performing Arts – the same building that houses the Regents’ Theater. Cost is $100 per person; tickets for the performance are additional, and must be purchased separately.

Menu choices include chicken, fish or vegetarian entrées. Wines are included for those 21 and up. Diners may also join Festival OperaSostenutoSociety members for complimentary intermission refreshments (included in dinner ticket).

Our special guests at the dinner will be stage director Josh Shaw. Please, join us and enjoy a perfect “meet and mingle” time before the show.

Festival Opera – Abduction From the Seraglio

It’s Mozart with a Twist, as Festival Opera Gears Up For an Out-of-This-World 25th Anniversary!

Mozart’s Abduction From the Seraglio will be presented Friday, Saturday and Monday, August 5, 6 and 8, at 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, August 9, at 2:00 p.m., in the Regents’ Theatre, Valley Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus of Holy Names University in Oakland.

All performances are in English, with English supertitles. Regents’ Theatre is wheelchair and ADA accessible. For more information visit festivalopera.org

See More Info »

Summer Sing-Ins: Brahms & Handel, Omid Zoufonoun, conductor

Wednesday, August 3, 7:00-9:30pm

In the fourth session of the 2016 Summer Sing-Ins, Omid Zofounoun will conduct Brahms’ Schicksalslied and Handel’s Messiah.

The Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny), by Brahms, is an accompanied choral setting of a poem written by Hölderlin. It is one of Brahms’ major choral works, though it is fairly short. Handel’s English-language oratorio, Messiah, uses a liturgical text assembled by Charles Jennens. In three parts, it tells the story of Christ’s Birth, Passion, and Resurrection. The famous Hallelujah Chorus ends part two.

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July 2016

Summer Sing-Ins: Mozart’s Requiem, Arnold Lee, conductor

Wednesday, July 27, 7:00-9:30pm

In the third session of the 2016 Summer Sing-Ins, Arnold Lee will conduct Mozart’s Requiem.

The Requiem Mass by Mozart was left unfinished when the composer died in 1791. It was completed in 1792 by Franz Süssmayr, and was delivered to the Count who had anonymously commissioned it to commemorate his wife’s death.

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Summer Sing-Ins: Bruckner & Stravinsky, Lynne Morrow, conductor

Wednesday, July 20, 7:00-9:30pm

In the second session of the 2016 Summer Sing-Ins, Dr. Lynne Morrow will conduct Bruckner’s Te Deum and Stravinksy’s Mass.

Bruckner wrote his Te Deum while he was writing his 6th and 7th symphonies. Brahms and Mahler greatly admired this sacred work. The composer himself called the work “the pride of his life.”

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May 2016

Youth Orchestra’s Spring Concert

Sunday, May 22, 2:00pm

Clara Griffin Russian Overture
Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Young Composers Competition – 2015 winner

Vieuxtemp Violin Concerto No.4 in D Minor, 1st movement

Simon Han, violin
Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition – 2015 winner

Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien, Op. 45

Dvorak Symphony No.8 in G Major, Op. 88

 

See More Info »

Stravinsky & Silverman

Friday, May 20, 8 pm

Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms
   Oakland Symphony Chorus
Lynne Morrow, Director

Barber Knoxville: Summer of 1915

Nicole Joseph, soprano
James Toland Vocal Arts Competition – 2014 winner

John Adams The Dharma at Big Sur

Tracy Silverman, electric violin

Ravel La Valse

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Night Out 2016 – Fire & Ice

Saturday, May 7, 7 pm

Night Out 2016 – Fire & Ice – Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Benefit Event

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Join us at The Crucible, West Oakland’s hottest industrial-chic venue, for Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra’s annual Night Out! A great time for a great cause! With a live concert from the Youth Orchestra, and performances from fire dancers and stilt walkers, it’ll be a fabulous Night Out for all.

There will also be plenty of spirits, tapas buffet, interactive booths, silent & live auctions, and fiery or frozen surprises – think s’mores at the fire pit!

“Playing in an orchestra isn’t just about playing music, it’s about reaching your full potential as a musician and as a person.” -Danielle Taylor, former MUSE student, former Oakland Youth Orchestra player

Many Thanks To Our Major Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Bellinvest logo

 

Silver Sponsor

Wine Sponsors

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April 2016

Oakland Symphony 101: Stravinsky & The Chorus

Saturday, April 30, 1:00-3:00pm

Join Oakland Symphony Chorus for an afternoon of Russian folk music and it’s relation to Igor Stravinksy’s work. Guest speaker and Stravinsky specialist, Scott Foglesong, will lead you on a journey of Latin text, Gregorian chant, and the history of Russian folk music. Members of the Chorus will sing examples of Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, so you can get a taste and even join in on the singing.

The Sound Room is located at 2147 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612.

The afternoon is sure to be educational and enjoyable for those who enjoy singing or just want to learn more about the music you’ll hear at Oakland Symphony’s presentation of Stravinsky & SIlverman on May 20 at the Paramount Theatre, Oakland.

General Admission tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door on the day of the event (fees not included).

 

 

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March 2016

Beethoven’s Choice

Friday, March 18, 8 pm

Cherubini Requiem
    Oakland Symphony Chorus,
    Lynne Morrow, Director

Martin Rokeach Piccolo Concerto – World Premiere
   (Amy Likar, piccolo)

Beethoven Symphony no. 2

See More Info »

February 2016

Youth Orchestra’s Winter Concert

Sunday, February 21, 2:00pm

Hailstork American Fanfare
Michael Morgan, conductor

Sibelius Finlandia
(Side-by-side with MUSE VIVO Orchestra)

Borodin Polovtsian Dances

Beethoven Symphony No.5 in C Minor 

See More Info »

Notes from Vietnam

Friday, February 12, 8 pm

Dvořák Carnival Overture

Britten Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
    Michael Urie, narrator

P.Q. Phan  Flash

Traditional Vietnamese Medley
arr. by Vân-Ánh (Vanessa) Võ

     Trống Cơm (The Rice Drums)
     Tùng Quân – Đăng Đàn Cung (King Parade)
     Lý Ngųa Ô (The Black Horse)

    Vân-Ánh Võ, Đàn Tranh (zither)
    The VA’V Young Ensemble & SỬ VIỆT Ensemble
and youth from Au Co Vietnamese Cultural Center.

Vân-Ánh (Vanessa) Võ
Lullaby for a Country (World Premiere)

  1.  Love
  2.  Yearning
  3.  Sorrow
  4.  New Dawn

     Vân-Ánh Võ, Đàn Tranh (zither),
đàn Bầu (monochord), and vocal

See More Info »

December 2015

Let Us Break Bread Together – Sinatra Style

Sunday, December 13, 4 pm

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS SINCE THE BIRTH OF AN AMERICAN LEGEND

See More Info »

November 2015

Youth Orchestra’s Fall Concert

Sunday, November 15, 7:30pm

Verdi Nabucco Overture

Bloch  Baal Shem
           2. Nigun (Improvisation)
(Jaclyn Thach, Violin)

Shostakovich Chamber Symphony 

Prokofiev Selections from Romeo and Juliet 

See More Info »

Lost Romantics

Friday, November 13, 8 pm

Bach/Stokowski Toccata and Fugue in D minor

Mendelssohn Piano Concerto no. 1
    Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, piano

Lehar Freunde, das Leben ist lebenswert (from Giuditta)
(Friends, life is well worth living!)

Offenbach Au mont Ida, trois Déesses (from La belle Hélène)
(Three Deities at Mount Ida.)

Lehar Dein ist mein ganzes Herz (from Das Land des Lächelns)
(Yours is my heart alone.)

Brent Turner, tenor

Victor Bendix Symphony no. 3

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October 2015

2015 Oakland Symphony Ball

Saturday, October 17, 6:00 pm

See More Info »

Renshaw & Rachmaninoff

Friday, October 2, 8 pm

Mason Bates Devil’s Radio – West Coast Premiere

Prokofiev Violin Concerto no. 2
   (Kenneth Renshaw, violin)

Brahms: Liebeslieder Waltzes (selections conducted by
Lynne Morrow, Oakland Symphony Chorus Director)

Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances

See More Info »

August 2015

Summer Sing-In Series: American Spirituals

Wednesday, August 5, 7:30-10:00pm

 

Ever wondered what it is like to sing in a full symphony chorus?

Dr. Lynne Morrow will lead a session on African American Spirituals. This quintessentially American music is in our cultural DNA. Come hear about the history of the music and then sing it with a deeper understanding. This music is about community, so bring a friend!

 

 

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July 2015

Summer Sing-In Series: Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms

Wednesday, July 29, 7:30-10:00pm

Dr. Lynne Morrow will lead you through this 3-movement choral symphony. Written in 1930, Koussevitsky asked Stravinsky for something “popular” which led to his choice of the universal Psalm 150 as one of the texts. This is a sincere expression of the composer’s faith.

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Summer Sing-In Series: Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes

Wednesday, July 22, 7:30-10:00pm

Maestro Vance George will lead you through Brahms’ Love Songs. These inventive waltzes were written for 4 voices, accompanied by 2 pianists on one piano, 4 hands. Since the premiere in 1869, where Clara Schumann played the piano, they have become a beloved part of the choral literature.

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Summer Sing-In Series: Cherubini Requiem in C minor

Wednesday, July 15, 7:30-10:00pm

Maestro Michael Morgan will lead you in this all-choral Requiem Mass setting. This work premiered in January 1816, so our performance next season will be its 200th anniversary. It was commissioned by Louis XVIII in commemoration of the executions of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Cherubini introduced Mozart’s Requiem to Paris and his work has some structural similarities. It is unusual and economic with all choral polyphonic singing.

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June 2015

Bach and Brew

Saturday, June 13, 4 p.m.

See More Info »

May 2015

Bon Voyage

Sunday, May 31, 4 p.m.

See More Info »

Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

Sunday, May 17, 2:00 pm

Preston Nowakowski
(2014-15 Young Composer Competition Winner)
Ascension

David Popper (orch. by Max Schlegel)
Hungarian Rhapsody, Op.68

Alex Hunn, cello
(2014-15 Concerto Competition 1st Prize Winner)

Josef Suk
Scherzo fantastique, op.25

Johannes Brahms
Symphony No.1, op.68, C minor

See More Info »

Bernstein’s Candide

Friday, May 15, 8:00 pm

Leonard Bernstein
Candide 

Thomas Glenn, tenor (Candide)
Shawnette Sulker, soprano (Cunegonde)
Robert Sims, baritone (Pangloss)
Tami Dahbura, mezzo-soprano (Old Lady)
Hadleigh Adams, baritone (Maximillian)
Katy Stephan, soprano (Paquette)

Oakland Symphony Chorus (Lynne Morrow, Chorus Director)

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April 2015

Discover Candide!

Saturday, April 25, 10 am - 2 pm

See More Info »

Cup of Classical

Thursday, April 2, 6:30 pm

Classical Traditions Around the World

Antonio Vivaldi   arr. Dan Reiter
Three Baroque Pictures
“Hummingbird”
“Pastorale”
“Winter Scene”

Claude Debussy   arr. Dan Reiter
Reverie (1890)

Isaac Albeniz   arr. Dan Reiter
Malagueña from España Op. 165 (1890)

Wil Offermans
Honami

Alice Lenaghan, flute

Ravi Shankar   arr. Dan Reiter
East Meets West (1966)

Celtic Suite (1998) Traditional   arr. Dan Reiter
Full-Rigged Ship
A Rocky Road to Dublin
Bobby Casey’s Hornpipe

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March 2015

Notes from Mexico

Friday, March 27, 8:00 pm

Silvestre Revueltas
Sensemaya

Carlos Chávez
Piano Concerto
(Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner’s performance is supported by a grant from The Ross McKee Foundation)

Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, piano 

Rubén Fuentes
Hay Unos Ojos

Medley of Traditional Mexican Songs:
Felipe Valdéz Leal Mi Ranchito
José López Alavez Canción Mixteca
Agustín Lara Farolito

Diana Gameros, guitar & vocals

Diana Gameros
En Juárez

Diana Gameros, guitar & vocals
Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno

José Pablo Moncayo 
Huapango

Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno

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February 2015

“Love is All” Concert

Saturday, February 28, 8:00 pm

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Haydn & Jazz from Mads

Friday, February 20, 8:00 pm

Samuel Barber
Symphony No. 1

Bryan Nies, conductor

Mads Tolling
Begejstring (“Excitement”)
(World Premiere; New Visions/New Vistas Commissioning Project, supported by a grant from The James Irvine Foundation)

Mads Tolling, violin

Franz Josef Haydn
Mass in C major, Hob. XXII:9
(Missa in tempore belli: Mass in Time of War)

Soloists from San Francisco Opera Center’s
Adler Fellowship Program:

Julie Adams, soprano
Zanda Švēde, mezzo-soprano
Chong Wang,
tenor
Anthony Reed,
bass

Oakland Symphony Chorus
(Lynne Morrow, Chorus Director)

Pacific Boychoir Academy
(Kevin Fox, Artistic Director)

 

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Youth Orchestra Winter Concert

Sunday, February 8, 2:00 pm

Leonard Bernstein
Candide Overture

Henryk Wieniawski
Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22
Jonathan Chen, violin

Arturo Marquez
Danzón No. 2

Franz Schubert
Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759 (Unfinished)

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Russian Easter Overture, Op. 36

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January 2015

Gershwin & Shostakovich

Friday, January 23, 8:00 pm

George Gershwin
Piano Concerto in F major

Richard Glazier, piano

Dmitri Shostakovich
Symphony No. 8 in C minor, Op. 65

 

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December 2014

Let Us Break Bread Together: A Holiday Tribute to Pete Seeger

Sunday, December 14, 4:00 pm

Featuring:
Oakland Symphony Chorus
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
Mt. Eden High School Concert Choir
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
Linda Tillery & the Cultural Heritage Choir

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November 2014

Tchaik 5 & Brothers in Arts

Friday, November 7, 8:00 pm

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64

Chris Brubeck & Guillaume Saint-James
Brothers in Arts: 70 Years of Liberty (West Coast Premiere)
New work for Jazz Quintet & Orchestra

Chris Brubeck, composer/trombone
Guillaume Saint-James, composer/saxophones
Jerome Seguin, bass
Didier Ithursarry, accordion
Christophe Lavergne, drums
Vocal Rush vocalists:
Jada Banks Mace
McKenna Lindell Wright
Nelly Ake

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Free Simulcast

Friday, November 7, 7:00 - 10:15 pm

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64

Chris Brubeck & Guillaume Saint-James
Brothers in Arts: 70 Years of Liberty (West Coast Premiere)
New work for Jazz Quintet & Orchestra

Chris Brubeck, composer/trombone
Guillaume Saint-James, composer/saxophones
Jerome Seguin, bass
Didier Ithursarry, accordion
Christophe Lavergne, drums
Vocal Rush vocalists:
Jada Banks-Mace 
McKenna Lindell-Wright
Nelly Ake

 

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Mozart Requiem

Sunday, November 2, 4:00 pm

Featuring: OAKLAND SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA &
OAKLAND SYMPHONY CHORUS

Johann Sebastian Bach, orchestrated by Leopold Stokowski
Komm süsser Tod (Come, sweet Death)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Requiem

Max Bruch
Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 44 (Adagio ma non troppo)

Jessica Cao, violin

Igor Stravinsky
The Firebird Suite No. 2 (1919)

I. Introduction; The Firebird and Her Dance; Variation of the Firebird
II. The Princesses’ Round: Khorovod
III. Infernal Dance of King Kashchei
IV. Berceuse
V. Finale

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