The Oakland Symphony finishes off its season on Friday, May 19th with a concert program called “Songs of Protest,” led by guest conductor Tito Muñoz. They’ll play the Leonore Overture No. 3 by Beethoven, Samuel Barber’s Second Essay for Orchestra, and a world premiere Oakland Symphony commission by composer Martin Rokeach. That work is called Bodies on the Line: The Great Flint Sit-Down Strike, inspired by the actions of auto workers at the end of 1936 and beginning of 1937, occupying a General Motors plant, which ultimately resulted in significant wage increases for workers, and greater power for unions moving forward. The premiere will include soloists Melody Wilson, Marc Molomot, and Morgan Smith, along with the Oakland Symphony Chorus and Pacific Edge Voices.
Friday’s concert is all about the power of peaceful demonstration and nobody understands that better than the people of Oakland.
· Wear a hat from the 30’s or one that provides you with a sense of strength and commitment
· Bring a protest sign that addresses a cause that is important to you (make sure the sign is small enough to fit underneath your seat)
· Prizes will be given out throughout the evening for creative, stylish and thought provoking signs and hats!
