2. Oakland East Bay Symphony Season

The Buzz -- Oakland Symphony performs at the delightfully Art Deco-styled Paramount Theatre, and its classical and choral concerts have received wide acclaim. The symphony performs complex works like Rachmaninov's "The Bells" and Leshnoff's "Hadran," which is based on the Talmud and the composer's visit to Israel. Shows often include full orchestras, chamber music, and choral sections, and the Symphony Chorus is well known for its high level of talent and expert direction.