The Oakland Symphony's 2021-2022 concert season - “We Remember Michael" - will celebrate the life and legacy of Michael Morgan, the Symphony’s Music Director and Conductor for more than 30 years, who passed away on August 20, 2021.
Program:
AMY BEACH: Symphony in E-minor “Gaelic”
PAUL MORAVEC: Sanctuary Road
Dr. Leslie B. Dunner, conductor
Dr. Lynne Morrow, conductor
Hope Briggs, soprano
Melody Wilson, mezzo-soprano
Noah Stewart, tenor
Damien Geter, baritone
Phillip Harris, baritone
Oakland Symphony Chorus
Contemporary with Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, Amy Beach’s American masterwork of the late 19th century is too rarely performed. So Oakland Symphony patrons overwhelmingly voted to give Mrs. Beach’s Gaelic Symphony a hearing. Also—receiving its West Coast premiere—is Sanctuary Road, an epic, moving oratorio by Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell, based on the writings of William Still, conductor for the Underground Railroad.
For almost 100 years, the Oakland Symphony has presented classical and symphonic music in the Bay Area and Michael Morgan personified the organization’s commitment to serving its diverse population through the unique convergence of artistic excellence, community service, and education programs. The Symphony’s aim will continue to be to make the world’s great music accessible to all members of our community by presenting unique programs, and has attracted perhaps the most culturally diverse audience of any orchestra in the nation. .