Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and Oakland Youth Chorus — two longstanding and admired Bay Area arts groups — are joining forces.
Technically, the move is an acquisition — in which Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC) is acquiring Oakland Youth Chorus (OYC) — with the hopes that the combined entity will be able to “achieve shared stability and increased community impact,” according to a news release. The acquisition was spearheaded by OYC representatives, who reportedly invited OIGC to consider the action.
Initial acquisition discussions began in September 2021, followed by a six-month review process by each organization’s board of directors to see if the deal made sense. The deal was finalized last month.
“Our board assessed the landscape and chose to refocus on our founding purpose: our choral program,” says Patrick Zimski, board president for OYC. “OIGC’s mission aligns so well with our own, and their leadership and longevity make them an ideal partner.”
Maren Amdal, executive director of OIGC, sees many benefits coming out of this acquisition.
“The opportunity for knowledge sharing and operational efficiencies will propel our organization to new heights, enabling us to better serve our community,” she says. “The merger results in a stronger organization thanks to increased capacity which will better serve all our constituents.
“With a combined budget projected at more than $1 million both institutions will benefit from economies of scale resulting in much-needed stability.”
Plus, the acquisition will allow the organization to better meet what’s expected to be an increase in demand over the next 1½ years.
“By the fall of 2023, we anticipate there will be a resurgence of interest in youth and community choirs, with need for a focus on access and equity,” says Nicolia Gooding, OIGC’s board president. “This merger will set the stage for our ensembles and programs to meet that need from a position of strength.”
OIGC’s choral offerings will now include 350-plus singers and musicians across several different ensembles.
“In acquiring OYC, our community retains a rich musical heritage and gains from this joining of artistic talents,” says Terrance Kelly, OIGC artistic director.
Both Kelly and La Nell Martin, OYC artistic director, are excited about merging forces.
“The impact of combining these two organizations will deepen the mission and vision of each and will speak to the East Bay community by sharing diversity in music experiences,” Martin says. “We are enthusiastic to see what new creative ventures our shared platform can present in programming and service to our youth and community, here in the East Bay.”
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