Kent Nagano Will Lead Berkeley Symphony Opening Concert
The conductor returns to the stage in Oakland for the Inheritance program on October 18, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Classical
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Kent Nagano will conduct the Berkeley Symphony for the upcoming Inheritance concert on October 18, 2026. The performance at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts will feature the world premiere of Alex Nante's composition Vater unser.
Why it matters
The performance marks a notable return for Nagano, who led the organization for 31 years before his departure in 2009. Marion Atherton invited the conductor to lead the orchestra following the conclusion of Joseph Young's tenure as music director.
The 2026-27 concert season features three main-stage performances with tickets priced between $20 and $80. This program marks the first time pianist Mari Kodama has performed with the orchestra in 22 years.
The players
Kent Nagano
He is a renowned conductor who served as the music director of the Berkeley Symphony for over three decades.
Mari Kodama
She is a classical pianist who is scheduled to perform the Piano Concerto No. 1 during the Inheritance program.
Alex Nante
He is a composer whose new work Vater unser will receive its world premiere at the symphony concert.
Joseph Young
He is a conductor who served as the fourth music director of the Berkeley Symphony until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
Marion Atherton
She is a key figure who extended the invitation to Kent Nagano to return as a guest conductor.
The details
The program for the Inheritance concert includes works by Felix Mendelssohn and features pianist Mari Kodama performing the Piano Concerto No. 1. The event utilizes the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts as its venue.
Timeline
Kent Nagano led the Berkeley Symphony from 1978 to 2009.
Joseph Young served as the music director until the end of the 2024-25 season.
The Inheritance concert takes place on October 18, 2026.
The next main-stage concert is scheduled for February 27-28, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This concert signifies a shift in programming strategy as the orchestra moves into its 2026-27 season. The appointment of a long-time former leader for the opening night reflects a strategic effort to anchor the ensemble during a period of transition in music direction.
Attendees can purchase tickets for the upcoming performance at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts ranging from $20 to $80. The event provides a live opportunity for the Oakland community to see the return of Kent Nagano to the podium.
The takeaway
The return of a former long-term conductor highlights the importance of historical continuity for regional orchestras. Audiences planning to attend should book tickets early to secure preferred seating within the $20 to $80 price range.
Further reading
Learn more about local performances on the Classical section page.
More information
For more details on the performance or to purchase seats, visit the Berkeley Symphony ticket and information site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Local News Matters.
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