The work will play in the Symphony’s 18th anniversary season launching a "new artistic initiative to present concert versions of landmark musical theatre in subsequent seasons." "It is our hope that Porgy and Bess will be the first in a series of works that combine music and theatre in a way that is uniquely American," stated OEBS Music Director and Conductor Michael Morgan. "We hope to include musical theater works as diverse as Show Boat and Follies along with a restaging of our highly successful presentation of Leonard Bernstein's Mass. Not only are these works appropriate to this organization's resources, they will bring awareness to this company, as well as tremendous pride and joy to our community."

With a music by George Gershwin, libretto by DuBose Heyward and lyrics by Ira Gershwin, Porgy and Bess is a classic tale of life in Catfish Row during the 1930s. Casting (subject to change) will include Debbie DeCoudreaux, Trente Morant, Kalil Wilson and Joseph Wright along with the Oakland Symphony Chorus.

Tickets for the concert series at the Symphony presented at Oakland’s historic Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, are on sale now by calling (510) 444-0801. For more information, visit www.oebs.org.