July 22, 2020 Update: OCO regretfully announces that the remainder of the 2019|20 season has been cancelled. Our overwhelming responsibility is for the health and well-being of the public and our musicians. We ask everyone to take care and act with kindness, understanding, and generosity as we face these difficult times. We will revisit and reschedule rehearsals based on the guidance of the Alameda County Public Health Department. Please visit this website for current information and official updates.
OCO Mission statement
VISION:
In the heart of Oakland, for the heart of Oakland
In the heart of Oakland, for the heart of Oakland
MISSION:
The Oakland Civic Orchestra strives to be a reflection of the city we call home: diverse, vibrant and welcoming to all. Founded in 1992, our members are dedicated amateur and semi-professional musicians united by our passion for inspiring, enriching and entertaining our community through high-quality performances that are free and open to the public. The orchestra is committed to supporting the artistic growth of our members, the development of young artists and composers, and exploring the role that music can play in building a more just and peaceful society. Our programming prioritizes composers who have been historically marginalized, alongside ambitious works from the orchestral canon.
HISTORY:
Martha Stoddard, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, has led and developed the Oakland Civic Orchestra since 1997. Under her leadership, OCO has grown from 20 members up to an ensemble of approximately 60 members. The orchestra was founded in 1992 by Enric Zappa through the City of Oakland Department of Parks and Recreation Cultural Arts Division.
The Oakland Civic Orchestra strives to be a reflection of the city we call home: diverse, vibrant and welcoming to all. Founded in 1992, our members are dedicated amateur and semi-professional musicians united by our passion for inspiring, enriching and entertaining our community through high-quality performances that are free and open to the public. The orchestra is committed to supporting the artistic growth of our members, the development of young artists and composers, and exploring the role that music can play in building a more just and peaceful society. Our programming prioritizes composers who have been historically marginalized, alongside ambitious works from the orchestral canon.
HISTORY:
Martha Stoddard, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, has led and developed the Oakland Civic Orchestra since 1997. Under her leadership, OCO has grown from 20 members up to an ensemble of approximately 60 members. The orchestra was founded in 1992 by Enric Zappa through the City of Oakland Department of Parks and Recreation Cultural Arts Division.
*CANCELLED*
Date TBA
For the Heart of Oakland
Lake Merritt United Methodist Church (map)
Free concert (donations welcomed)
Martha Stoddard, principal conductor
Christine Brandes, assistant conductor
Program TBA
Date TBA
For the Heart of Oakland
Lake Merritt United Methodist Church (map)
Free concert (donations welcomed)
Martha Stoddard, principal conductor
Christine Brandes, assistant conductor
Program TBA
OCO Concert VIDEOS
Please visit our three Youtube playlists to view OCO performances on video:
NEW! Virtual performances recorded at home: OCO "virtual performances"
OCO short list of favorites: OCO "greatest hits"
Complete video playlist from our rich history: OCO playlist on YouTube.
NEW! Virtual performances recorded at home: OCO "virtual performances"
OCO short list of favorites: OCO "greatest hits"
Complete video playlist from our rich history: OCO playlist on YouTube.
Sunday, October 6, 2019 @ 4:00 PM
Season Premiere: For the Love of Clara
Lake Merritt United Methodist Church (map)
Free concert (donations welcomed)
Martha Stoddard, principal conductor
Christine Brandes, assistant conductor
BRAHMS Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Clara SCHUMANN Romance arr. for Orchestra by Tim Erickson
Robert SCHUMANN Symphony No. 4
Season Premiere: For the Love of Clara
Lake Merritt United Methodist Church (map)
Free concert (donations welcomed)
Martha Stoddard, principal conductor
Christine Brandes, assistant conductor
BRAHMS Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Clara SCHUMANN Romance arr. for Orchestra by Tim Erickson
Robert SCHUMANN Symphony No. 4
Sunday, January 26, 2020 @ 4:00 PM
Isles Inspired
Lake Merritt United Methodist Church (map)
Free concert (donations welcomed)
Martha Stoddard, principal conductor
Christine Brandes, assistant conductor
Craig Reiss, solo violin
BRITTEN Simple Symphony
VAUGHAN-WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending
AMY BEACH Symphony in E Minor "Gaelic"
Isles Inspired
Lake Merritt United Methodist Church (map)
Free concert (donations welcomed)
Martha Stoddard, principal conductor
Christine Brandes, assistant conductor
Craig Reiss, solo violin
BRITTEN Simple Symphony
VAUGHAN-WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending
AMY BEACH Symphony in E Minor "Gaelic"
SUPPORT THE OAKLAND ARTS
The Bay Area is a wonderful place but it can be an expensive place for the arts to flourish. Oakland Civic Orchestra is facing a significant rise in costs next season. Please help us, if you can, to continue providing free concerts in Oakland.
We accept donations in many forms including cash, check, and on our new Go Fund Me page.
The Oakland Civic Orchestra is grateful for your support and generosity!
We accept donations in many forms including cash, check, and on our new Go Fund Me page.
The Oakland Civic Orchestra is grateful for your support and generosity!
