We are thrilled to share a milestone moment in our history: Oakland Public Conservatory of Music (OPC) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with "An Afternoon of Legacy", 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.

Special Performance!

We are excited to announce that Steve Turre will be performing with the Fredrick Douglass Youth Ensemble Alumni to celebrate our twenty-year history! If you were lucky enough to attend our 10th Anniversary Gala you saw the magic of our youth accompanied by Turre. See the magic again!

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 be a Sponsor of this event! Find more information here.

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

OPC 20th Year Gala and Awards

Rooted in Oakland. Honoring Legacy