Ellen Hoffman

pianist/composer

For more than 25 years, Ellen Hoffman has composed, arranged and performed with Oakland Symphony, under the direction of the late great Michael Morgan. Often collaborating with gospel artist Terrance Kelly, Ellen has written a number of arrangements of traditional African-American spirituals for choir and orchestra, some with audience participation as well. The very first arrangement was Let Us Break Bread Together, which you will hear at today’s concert.  Ellen was co-founder of Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, as well as co-founder and Music Director of Jazz Camp West, and Berkeley Broadway Singers.  Her original song and video When Jenny Comes Marching Home can be found on YouTube.  Ellen is pleased to be at the piano again today, performing with Terrance,  OIGC and the Oakland Symphony.