Berkeley Symphony stands in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in condemning the anti-Asian hate crimes and racist rhetoric that we have seen in this country over the past year. This is part of a long and tragic history of racist behavior directed at Asian Americans that has escalated during the pandemic.
We recognize that standing in solidarity is not enough to activate the changes that are needed and we will continue to use our platform to promote communication and awareness about human rights issues including racial injustice. We hope you will join us by educating yourself and others as we activate positive changes for our community.
To learn more and take action, please visit STOPAAPIHATE.ORG and Anti-Asian Violence Resources
Reading is Instrumental is back by popular demand!
Reading Is Instrumental, a weekly musical storytime at the Berkeley Public Library produced by the Berkeley Public Library Foundation and the Berkeley Symphony. Kids and adults alike can tune in for more literary, musical fun with a new group of celebrity readers and Berkeley Symphony musicians. Season 2 readers include KTVU – TV journalist Gasia Mikaelian, chef Tanya Holland, UC Chancellor Carol Christ, comedian W. Kamau Bell, and writer Kate Schatz.
If you missed the first season of Reading is Instrumental, there is still time to get caught up — just click the button below to access the series.
Thank you to our Season 1 sponsors!
Episode 5 Sponsors:
Sallie Arens, Janet Maestre, Bebe McRae, Lisa Taylor
Episode 7 Sponsors:
The Berkeley Symphony Board and Advisory Council
Thank you to our Season 2 sponsors!
Episode 3 Sponsors:
Kathleen G. Henschel & John W. Dewes
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.
