Oakland Symphony

The Paramount Theatre is the proud home of the OAKLAND SYMPHONY.

Experience the music of the masters, the works of living American composers and the sensational playing of the Oakland Symphony in the gorgeous glow of the Paramount Theatre!

The Oakland Symphony handles all of their own tickets sales. Visit the Oakland Symphony website and purchase tickets or call 510-444-0802.

Oakland Symphony Website

Upcoming Events

DEFIANCE

Friday, October 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Kedrick Armstrong, conductor

ANTHONY DAVIS “Prison Aria” from the opera Malcolm X
KARIM AL-ZAND Lamentations on the Disaster of War

Medley:
ELAINE BROWN And All Stood By
TRACY CHAPMAN Talkin’ Bout a Revolution
LAURYN HILL I Find It Hard to Say (Rebel)

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 11, The Year 1905

His music could celebrate Soviet glory. His subtext would suggest the subversive. Dmitri Shostakovich paid the price with his creative freedom. And nearly with his life

SCHEHERAZADE!

Friday, November 20, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Kedrick Armstrong, conductor
Oakland Symphony Chorus

Program:

J. SEBASTIÁN CARDONA-OSPINA La forma de las Ruinas
JOHANNES BRAHMS Song of the Fates
HECTOR VILLA-LOBOS Chôros No. 10
NICOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade with text by Dan Harder

Storytellers all, spanning centuries and continents, searching for truths, finding the deeper meaning

LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER

Sunday, December 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Kedrick Armstrong, conductor
Oakland Symphony Chorus

An “inspired, multifarious, musical bash!” raves SF Classical Voice of the Oakland Symphony’s holiday party, Let Us Break Bread Together. Kedrick Armstrong and the Orchestra are joined by the Bay Area’s hottest artists for this annual seasonal celebration; this edition celebrating the legacy of Quincy Jones.

TO THE BRINK

Friday, February 19, 2027 at 7:30 PM

Kedrick Armstrong, conductor
Nathan Amaral, violin
Oakland Symphony Chorus

Program:

FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN Te Deum
JOHN ADAMS Frenzy: a short symphony
SAMUEL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR Violin Concerto
MAURICE RAVEL La Valse

History refracted through music, to the very brink and back again.

BLACKNIFICENT

Friday, March 19, 2027 at 7:30 PM

Kedrick Armstrong, conductor
Clayton Stephenson, pianist

Program:

JEAN-PHILIPPE RAMEAU Music from the opera, Les Boreades
DAMIEN GETER Piano Concerto No. 1, Nina
A BLACKNIFICENT 7 COMMISSION
IRENE BRITTON SMITH Sinfonietta
GEORGE GERSHWIN Catfish Row (Suite from Porgy & Bess)

See those oppressed and marginalized, and there one will see faith.

LIGHT AND HOPE

Friday, May 14, 2027 at 7:30 PM

Kedrick Armstrong, conductor
Ana María Martínez, soprano
Oakland Symphony Chorus

Program:

CLARICE ASSAD Ode to Carmen Miranda
PAUL HINDEMITH Mathis der Maler Symphony
JIMMY LOPEZ Dreamers Oratorio

Victories fought hard and won large.