We are thrilled to share a milestone moment in our history: Oakland Public Conservatory of Music (OPC) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary, two decades of fostering musical excellence, cultural empowerment, and community engagement in the heart of Oakland.

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, we will host our 20-Year Gala Celebration and Awards, and we invite you to join us for this extraordinary afternoon of music, storytelling, and vision. Bringing together community leaders, artists, alumni, and friends, we will honor our past and shape our future.

Why Support OPC?

For 20 years, OPC has made world-class music education accessible to all, especially underrepresented youth. We blend rigorous training with cultural relevance, ensuring every student finds a voice through music. From free lessons to Afrocentric programming, our mission is clear: Music for Everyone.

By attending our celebration or donating to OPC, your partnership helps us:

Expand tuition-free programs to underserved youth;
Sustain artist-led workshops, classes, and community ensembles; and
Maintain our new home in Old Oakland

Join us as we showcase and celebrate the next generation of musicians and culture-bearers, alums, and honor music icons MARY WATKINS: acclaimed composer and pianist; RHIANNON GIDDENS: Grammy Award-winning Musician, MacArthur recipient, and Pulitzer Prize winner; and longtime OPC champion STEVE TURRE: preeminent jazz trombonist and seashellist.

Honoring Dr. Angela Wellman: A Legacy of Vision and Service

Central to the evening will be a deeply personal tribute to OPC's founding visionary, Dr. Angela Wellman, whose tireless dedication, artistic brilliance, and unwavering commitment to community have defined the conservatory's identity and mission for twenty years. Wellman remarks, “Every great dream begins with someone willing to imagine something beyond what already exists. Twenty years ago, I dared to imagine a conservatory of music for Oakland, and OPC was born, rooted in Oakland, sustained by love, and carried forward with courage, passion, and perseverance by a community that dared to dream with me. I look forward to passing the torch with full faith to leaders who share that dream and will carry it forward with fresh vision for Oakland and for the times we are living in.”

Special Performance

We are excited to announce that trombonist Steve Turre will be performing with the Frederic Douglass Youth Ensemble alums Ayinde Webb, Amina Scott, and Jasim Perales! If you were lucky enough to attend out tenth Anniversary Gala you saw the magic of our youth accompanied by Turre. See the magic again!

Frederick Youth Ensemble with special guest Steve Turre (OPC 10th Anniversary Gala)

Steve Turre is one of the world’s preeminent jazz innovators, trombonist and seashellist who grew up in the San Francisco Bay area. He’s worked with the Escovedo Brothers, Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Tito Puente and more. Turre has also been performing as a member of the Saturday Night Live Band since 1984.

Join us!

Enjoy music, food, and a bidder’s showcase to support our efforts, as we celebrate OPC at 20! Rooted in Oakland, Honoring Legacy!

You or your company/organization can sponsor this event! Find more information here.

If you can not attend, but would like to donate, click here.

Check out our SILENT BIDDER'S SHOWCASE here.

OPC 20th Year Gala and Awards

Rooted in Oakland. Honoring Legacy