Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

Founded in 1986, by Terrance Kelly, the mission of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Inc. is to inspire joy and unity among all people through Black gospel and spiritual music traditions. OIGC weaves together more than 300 singers across multiple choirs from a wide range of faiths, races, and cultures. Under Artistic Director Kelly, the namesake Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir performs 25-30 times a year and is inclusive of an ensemble of nine to 15 singers representing OIGC at additional events. Performance highlights include jazz festival tours, the CA Governor’s Tree Lighting, inauguration ceremonies, and annual performances with the Oakland and San Francisco Symphonies. The Youth Program and Community Engagement Program (CEP) make up the bulk of OIGC’s work. CEP, inclusive of include the non-audition Oakland Interfaith Community Choir founded in 2013 and the Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir in 2022, presents concerts in a wide range of venues that reach underserved populations and serve the community in times of need and celebration. Its self-produced Free Spring Concert and accompanying biennial Traditional Gospel Music Workshop help to preserve and advance Black gospel music and spirituals. The summer of 2022 saw the acquisition of the Oakland Youth Chorus, bolstering OIGC’s youth program and outreach to include a total of 5 ensembles, youth development and leadership committees, and internship opportunities. OIGC continues to address the need to keep the tradition of Black gospel music and Negro spirituals alive for new generations of singers and to bring this music to diverse audiences throughout the community. The Choir provides opportunities for participation in and access to Black gospel music to people of all faiths, races, ages, and economic levels. Find out more at http://www.oigc.org.