The Orchestra

Prometheus Symphony Orchestra’s mission is to offer free classical music concerts to the Bay Area community, including those of limited means and families with young children for whom attending professional symphonies is not feasible. All our musicians and Board members are volunteers. Prometheus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Our community 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, still affiliated with Merritt College. Each season we offer 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 seniors to attend.

Throughout its history, Prometheus has performed challenging works from the classical era to the 21st century, featuring composers from the Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods. Our Khuner Young Artist Competition discovers gifted young musicians who perform with the orchestra each season—and often go on to careers with symphonies around the world.

The Orchestra is supported in part by an ArtsFund grant from the Alameda County Arts Commission, through the generosity of Chevron Corporation and many other donors, as well as the contributions and volunteer service of orchestra members.

We welcome support of any amount — donations are tax-deductible and acknowledged in our concert programs.

Board of Directors