Lean On Me, Oakland Symphony

The Oakland Symphony is pleased to share this 130-member virtual performance of the timeless classic Bill Withers song “Lean on Me.” The performance captures the Oakland Symphony family of ensembles - the Orchestra, Chorus, and Youth Orchestra along with 30 participants of the Symphony’s MUSE education program. The performers ranged in age from 8 to 86 and the musicians are of all levels.

For almost 100 years, the Oakland Symphony has presented classical and symphonic music in the Bay Area. Michael Morgan, since 1991, has served as the Symphony’s Music Director and Conductor and has personified the organization’s commitment to serving its diverse population through the unique convergence of artistic excellence, community service, and education programs. The Symphony’s aim is to make classical music accessible to all members of our community by presenting unique programs and attracting a wide-ranging, culturally diverse audience.

The video concept was to gather the Oakland Symphony’s family of ensembles and perform a song that would allow everyone to participate. The song that was chosen was Bill Withers’s “Lean On Me.” Released in 1972, “Lean on Me” is a timeless song with powerful lyrics that continues to influence generations of listeners. With Withers’s passing on March 30, the Oakland Symphony is paying tribute to his contributions to music and his continuing impact on the world. The video is also celebrating the breadth and scope of the Oakland Symphony’s ongoing music education activities and community outreach.

Oakland Symphony Chorus Director Lynne Morrow, Symphony cellist and MUSE mentor Elizabeth Vandervennet, Symphony oboist Andrea Plesnarski, Symphony French Horn player Alicia Telford, and Symphony flautist Amy Likar steered the video from idea generation to completion. The video was edited by Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra Conductor Omid Zoufonoun who was guided by the technical limitations of producing a video with 130 musicians trying to perform the same song but not at the same time.

“The final song arrangement was determined in the post production so it could be inclusive and complimentary of all musicians and chorus members,” said Zoufonoun. “This performance reflects the Symphony’s culture of inclusiveness, education, and community.”

For more information on the video and how to support Oakland Symphony, please visit OaklandSymphony.org.