Oakland Symphony

Oakland Symphony has a storied presence in the East Bay area, with a history stretching back 87 years. It traces its origins to the original Oakland Symphony, which was established in 1933 and continued until 1986. After the closure of the original symphony, the Oakland Symphony Chorus and Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra, both over 55 years old, continued as independent entities.\n\nIn 2010, a significant merger took place, reuniting the Symphony, the Youth Orchestra, and the Chorus under a single organizational umbrella and reviving the collective history and achievements of the three groups. This reformation marked a new chapter for the institution, which had been known as the Oakland East Bay Symphony for 26 years before reverting to its original name, Oakland Symphony.\n\nToday, the Symphony, along with the Youth Orchestra and Chorus, reaches an audience of over 60,000 people annually. It is dedicated to presenting innovative concerts and is deeply involved in music education. The Symphony works in schools and the community to introduce young people to the joys of playing an instrument and the experience of live classical performances.\n\n===Education and Community Engagement===\nThe Oakland Symphony's educational initiatives, notably the MUSE Music for Excellence program and the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra, have introduced over 100,000 young people to the power of symphonic music. The Youth Orchestra offers a rigorous program that includes weekly rehearsals, extensive coaching from leading Bay Area professionals, and performance opportunities both locally and internationally. The Chorus, on the other hand, serves as a resource for continuing education in choral arts and holds regular, open auditions for new members.\n\n===Collaborations and Commissions===\nThroughout its history, the Oakland Symphony has been known for fostering collaborations with local arts organizations, ranging from children's choirs to jazz ensembles. In its commitment to the future of symphonic music, the Symphony regularly commissions new works from composers, many of whom are writing for a full orchestra for the first time. American compositions and the encouragement of young artists to create and perform are frequently featured in the Symphony's programming.\n\n===Virtual Performances and COVID-19 Response===\nIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oakland Symphony has adapted by offering virtual performances. These include the Michael Morgan Concert Stream, The Music Won’t Stop Live Stream Telethon, and various other online events that continue to engage the community and provide access to symphonic music during challenging times.\n\nThe Oakland Symphony continues to be a vibrant part of the East Bay's cultural landscape, enriching the community with its diverse performances, educational programs, and commitment to innovation in the arts.