With support from the California Arts Council, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir will offer a series of Community Engagement Program performances by two of its choirs and lifelong learning opportunities on gospel music and spirituals. The performances will reach audiences primarily in Oakland and the East Bay and reflect the organization’s long-time commitment to community service. CAC funds will be used for artistic, administrative, operational and production support.
OIGC’s programs include the namesake 73-member adult choir, which headlines the organization’s self-produced annual Holiday Concert and Annual Free Spring Concert; performs across the region in a variety of venues and settings; and via its artistic projects and collaborations, preserves and advances the artistic heritage of Oakland’s large African American population. The 110-member Oakland Interfaith Community Choir is a limited-commitment ensemble founded in 2013, open to adults at all skill levels. Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir is open to children between the ages of 5 – 8, while Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir serves those between 9 – 18. The 2022 merger with Oakland Youth Chorus introduced an additional three youth ensemble choruses that have an additional classroom and formal music education component for those who would like to learn to read and write music as well as sing. A Community Engagement Program offers year-round, free, accessible performances to a diverse audience that includes people in shelters, prisons, jails, nursing homes and other institutions; provides no-fee or low-fee performances for social service agencies, faith-based and educational institutions; and performs for large audiences at admission-free civic festivals and other celebrations.

