Music Director Krista Bennion Feeney leads from the concertmaster's position. Musical decision-making is accomplished collectively during rehearsals. The orchestra has recorded works of Frank Martin and Dmitri Shostakovich for the New Albion label and works of Argentine composers Alberto Williams and Alberto Ginastera on the d'Note label. In 1990, former guest conductor Michael Morgan was named Music Director. Under Maestro Morgan's direction, the Symphony has established itself as a cultural and educational leader in the community.
Programming often includes works by American composers.
In addition to its performances at Oakland's historic Paramount Theatre, the OEBS offers a concert series in neighboring Richmond, Young People's Concerts, and has acclaimed educational and outreach programs. The Santa Rosa Symphony performed its first concert in 1928, under founder John Trombley. In 1957, Corrick Brown became the Music Director and remained until Jeffrey Kahane succeeded him in 1995. Kahane is well-known as a pianist and has appeared as a soloist with many of this country's leading orchestras. He has toured in duo recitals with Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, and Joshua Bell, and has recorded extensively.