The all-volunteer community-based orchestra is devoted to the rehearsal and performance of master works of the symphonic repertoire. Founded in 1964 as a class at Merritt College in Oakland, Prometheus Symphony Orchestra became an independent not-for-profit organization in 1979. Each season it offers five concerts to the Oakland and East Bay communities, with no admission charge so great music is available to all. Concerts are customarily on Sunday afternoons to encourage families and elders to attend. Our venue is the beautiful, accessible Valley Center for the Performing Arts at 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland.
Throughout its history, Prometheus has performed challenging works from the classical era to the 21st century. We feature the greatest symphonic composers from the Classical, Romantic and Modern periods, including women and African-American composers. Our Khuner Young Artist Concerto Competition discovers gifted young musicians who perform with the orchestra each season. Concert repertoires since 2014 are listed on the Season tab, Previous Concerts page. Many of the concerts are recorded and available from the webpage. In 2020 when we were forced to shut down due to COVID restrictions, we substituted a virtual lecture series on music history in place of live concerts, by Music Director Eric Hansen (recordings available on Season tab, Lectures page).
The Orchestra is supported in part by an ArtsFund grant from the Alameda County Arts Commission, a grant from the Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy, through the generosity of Chevron Corporation and many other donors, as well as the contributions and volunteer service of orchestra members. Without the generosity of our wonderful audience, we could not continue this great tradition. You don’t need to wait for the next concert, but can donate here: DONATE. We welcome support of any amount. You will be acknowledged in concert programs, and your donations are tax deductible.
Board of Directors
| John Gilbert (timpani), President Joyce Vollmer (violin), Vice President Richard Trevor (bass), Treasurer Sandy Roadcap (violin), Secretary |
Kris Antonsen (trumpet) Barbara Hodgkinson (oboe) Genevieve Pastor-Cohen (flute) Karl Sevareid (bass) Keith Sklower (oboe) Duy Tran (violin) |
