Kedrick Armstrong appointed as the new Music Director of the Oakland Symphony

The Oakland Symphony has announced Kedrick Armstrong as its next Music Director, following the passing of previous director Michael Morgan in 2021. Armstrong, a 29-year-old conductor from Georgetown, South Carolina, is currently the creative partner and principal conductor of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony.

Known for his ability to let the music speak for itself, Armstrong will bring his wide range of repertoire and enthusiasm for diverse voices to the Oakland Symphony. He will open the 2024-2025 season on October 18, showcasing his passion for cultivating understanding and collaboration within communities of all backgrounds.

Armstrong led three successful programs at the Symphony between 2022 and early 2024, culminating in the world premiere of “Here I Stand: Paul Robeson,” an oratorio commissioned by the Oakland Symphony. His appointment as Music Director was a unanimous decision by the Symphony’s board of directors and musicians after a two-year search.

Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Armstrong stated, “As a Black conductor, I find it humbling to stand on the shoulders of both Michael Morgan and Calvin Simmons,” the Symphony’s previous African American music directors. Dr. Mieko Hatano, executive director of the Oakland Symphony, praised Armstrong’s scholarship and curiosity about all types of music, from classical to jazz, gospel, and hip-hop.

The Oakland Symphony is thrilled to welcome Kedrick Armstrong as its new Music Director, and audiences can look forward to his innovative and inclusive approach to music in the upcoming season.