Reading Is Instrumental, a weekly musical storytime at the Berkeley Public Library produced by the Berkeley Public Library Foundation and the Berkeley Symphony. Reading Is Instrumental features an all-star lineup of readers from Berkeley and beyond, with musical accompaniment by Berkeley Symphony musicians. Guest readers include actress Rita Moreno, author Maxine Hong Kingston with actor Earll Kingston, comedian Andy Samberg, author/illustrator Thacher Hurd, Berkeley Symphony Music Director Joseph Young, and children’s librarian Michael Kwende. Kids and adults alike can tune in for literary, musical fun from your Bay Area favorites.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Episode 5 Sponsors: Sallie Arens, Janet Maestre, Bebe McRae, Lisa Taylor
Episode 7 Sponsors: The Berkeley Symphony Board and Advisory Council
BERKELEY SYMPHONY CO-COMMISSIONS NEW WORK BY BRIAN RAPHAEL NABORS
We are delighted to share that Berkeley Symphony has been selected by New Music USA as one of the lead orchestras for their Amplifying Voices Program, supported by the Sphinx Venture Fund. As one of the lead orchestras selected for this program, Berkeley Symphony will co-commission a new work by emerging composer Brian Raphael Nabors, to be premiered in the 2021-22 season.
Amplifying Voices fosters collaboration and collective action toward equitable representation of composers in classical music. Amplifying Voices seeks to increase support and promotion of composers of color, bringing them to the table for artistic planning at major national orchestras, and ensuring orchestras’ engagement with repertoire, past and present, that has previously been omitted from major concert programs.
New Music USA announces three new appointments to its Board of Directors: Aja Burrell Wood, Susan Wegleitner, and Joseph Young. This follows the recent appointment of Co-Chairs Reena Esmail and Joe Walker, as announced this June and highlights the ongoing development of this national organization under new leadership.
Joseph Young, the third incoming board member, tells us,
“During this very significant time in our musical history, I hope to offer my diverse perspectives as an educator and music director while New Music USA continues to look at new areas for growth. I have always admired the organization for its innovative programming for all new music genres and I’m honored to join the board.”
Dine Nearby
An evening at Berkeley Symphony is not only a thrilling auditory experience, but a superb culinary adventure as well! Downtown Berkeley is a food-lovers’ paradise, internationally known for the quality and scope of its offerings. From intimate French bistros to vibrant California eateries, Berkeley has a wealth of restaurants to suit any palate.
