Asian American Orchestra Celebrates 20th Anniversary at OACC

Our 20th year celebration began in February at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, who, in 1999, presented the AAO’s premiere of its GRAMMY nominated Far East Suite as part of Duke Ellington’s centennial. The OACC hosted an exhibition of artifacts and photographs retrospective of the AAO’s 20 years of music making. To coincide with Black History Month and Day of Remembrance, the AAO performed music commemorating the internment experience and provided a sneak preview excerpt of DOWN BY THE RVERSIDE Requiem for King commemorating the 50th anniversary of MLK’s assassination. The evening also celebrated the AAO’s new CD release, GO FOR BROKE! A Salute to Nisei Veterans with spoken word by Janice Mirikitani. The event culminated in a sake tasting reception provided by Kenshin Sake.