The Oakland Symphony has always been a force for innovative, community-driven programming, and with newly appointed Music Director Kedrick Armstrong at the helm, the 2025-2026 season is set to be nothing short of extraordinary. Armstrong, a dynamic conductor known for his fresh perspectives and commitment to inclusivity in classical music, has curated a season that pays homage to the Symphony’s rich legacy while pushing the art form forward.

Mark your calendars—this season kicks off on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, promising an exhilarating lineup of premieres, powerful masterworks, and genre-defying collaborations.

A Season of Firsts: Bold Premieres & Celebrated Classics

Armstrong is introducing audiences to a lineup of world and West Coast premieres, amplifying the voices of today’s most exciting composers. Highlights include:

🎶 Dave Ragland’s Harmony of the Unheard (October 17) – A powerful, Oakland Symphony-commissioned world premiere from a member of the celebrated Blacknificent 7.

🎹 Brian Nabors’ Hammond Organ Concerto (March 27) – Making its West Coast premiere, this electrifying concerto will push sonic boundaries.

🎼 Cava Menzies’ Oakland Symphony-commissioned world premiere (November 14) – A Bay Area talent whose work fuses jazz, classical, and contemporary influences.

🎻 Jasmine Barnes’ Oakland Symphony-commissioned world premiere (May 15) – A rising star in contemporary composition, bringing new perspectives to the orchestral canon.

And of course, the season is packed with audience favorites, including Verdi’s Requiem, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, and the mesmerizing storytelling of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade.

Click HERE to watch our recent interview with Oakland Symphony's new Music Director, Kedrick Armstrong and Dr. Mieko Hatano, Chief Executive Officer of the Oakland Symphony.

A Can’t-Miss Opening Night: Firebird Takes Flight

The season opener on Friday, October 17 is set to be a spectacular showcase of innovation and tradition. Pianist Sara Davis Buechner joins the Symphony for Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, followed by Stravinsky’s fiery The Firebird Suite (1919)—a piece that never fails to thrill. Plus, don’t miss the world premiere of Dave Ragland’s Harmony of the Unheard, a work set to challenge and inspire in equal measure.

Fan-Favorite Traditions & Exciting New Collaborations

The Symphony’s beloved Let Us Break Bread Together returns on Sunday, December 14, this year honoring the legendary Whitney Houston. Expect a joyful, genre-spanning concert that will have the whole house on their feet.

The Hammond Organ Concerto concert (March 27) promises to be a sonic adventure, blending the soulful sounds of jazz with the grandeur of the symphony. The evening also features Saint-Saëns’ magnificent “Organ” Symphony, ensuring an unforgettable, earth-shaking finale.

And the season comes to a breathtaking close on May 15 with Scheherazade, a work of dazzling orchestral color and storytelling, paired with the world premiere of Jasmine Barnes’ latest composition.

Why Subscribe? Exclusive Benefits Await

Red Curtain Addict subscribers get the inside scoop on the best live performances, and Oakland Symphony subscribers get even more perks:

🎟 Big Savings – Up to 25% off single-ticket prices.
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🎶 Exclusive Discounts – Get 10% off additional tickets (for six-concert Classical Series subscribers).
🤝 Personalized Assistance – Symphony staff is available for all your ticketing needs.

Be Part of the Movement

This season is more than just a concert series—it’s a celebration of the Bay Area’s rich cultural fabric, a platform for new voices, and a bold vision for the future of classical music. Be there as history is made. Single tickets will become available in August!

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