PRESS RELEASE: OPC 20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Watts | The Aziza Work Group Inc. | michelle@azizaworkgroup.com | 914.224.9299
DATE: For Immediate Release
OAKLAND PUBLIC CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC CELEBRATES ITS 20th ANNIVERSARY
WITH AN ELEGANT MILESTONE GALA
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Angela Wellman and Passing the Torch to New Leadership
OAKLAND, CA — The Oakland Public Conservatory of Music (OPC), the first institution of its kind to center African Diasporic traditions as foundational to the creation of American music, proudly announces its 20th Anniversary Gala —an elegant evening of celebration, reflection, and vision. The milestone event will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, beginning at 3:00 PM at Downtown Oakland Science Academy (formerly Envision Academy of Arts & Technology) in Oakland, California.
Envision has graciously gifted the event space where the gala will take place and celebrates OPC’s achievement as Jillian Juman, Chief Executive Officer of Envision Education offers, “Congratulations to Oakland Public Conservatory of Music on 20 years of inspiring Oakland's young people through the power of music, creativity, and community. We are grateful for our partnership and for the countless opportunities OPC has created for students and families to discover their talents, build confidence, and express themselves through the arts. This milestone is a testament to the organization's enduring impact, and we look forward to continuing our work together to support the next generation of Oakland leaders.”
For over two decades, OPC has stood as a cornerstone of the Oakland community — providing transformative music education and empowering generations through the living power of music. Founded on the conviction that African Diasporic traditions are not merely a chapter in America's story but its very foundation, OPC has shaped the lives of countless students, artists, and families, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Oakland and beyond.
The 20th Anniversary Gala will be a landmark occasion befitting the institution's remarkable history. Guests will be treated to a curated evening featuring special artist performances, heartfelt tributes, and a celebration of two decades of impact — all set against the backdrop of Oakland's vibrant cultural community.
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.”
The Gala will mark a historic transition as Dr. Wellman announces her retirement and formally passes the torch to the next generation of leadership. This moment reflects both continuity and evolution, as the institution builds on a powerful foundation while advancing its future vision.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Downtown Oakland Science Academy (formerly Envision Academy of Arts & Technology)
1515 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
Tickets HERE
Special Artist Support
The evening will feature special artist support from Rhiannon Giddens (Globally recognized Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning artist, instrumentalist, and vocalist), Mary Watkins (Acclaimed pianist & composer), Steve Turre (renowned trombone master and decades-long member of the Saturday Night Live band), and others who honor OPC's musical legacy and the African Diasporic traditions at the heart of the conservatory's curriculum. A posthumous lifetime legacy award to Ed Kelly (Legendary Bay Area jazz pianist.)
Additional appearances, support & performers will be announced in the coming months.
Call for Collaboration: OPC is actively seeking mission-aligned partners to help make this milestone event a resounding success. We welcome inquiries regarding:
• Sponsorships • Community Partnerships • Silent Auction & In-Kind Donations
Click HERE to view/download the Sponsorship Deck.
For sponsorship opportunities, partnership inquiries, and silent auction donations, please contact Jeanette Rojas at jrojas@opcmusic.org or 510.836.4649
About Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Oakland Public Conservatory of Music is the first institution of its kind to center African Diasporic traditions as foundational to the creation of American music. For over twenty years, OPC has been a transformative force in the Oakland community — nurturing aspiring musicians, celebrating cultural heritage, and empowering generations through the universal language of music. OPC's curriculum, performances, and community programming reflect a deep commitment to equity, artistic excellence, and the enduring power of music to heal, inspire, and unite.
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For media inquiries, high-resolution assets, or interview requests, please contact
Michelle Watts | 914.224.9299 | michelle@azizaworkgroup.com
The Aziza Work Group Inc.