Sometimes, dreams really do come true.

Gregory Cunningham is conducting the Oakland Symphony Orchestra on March 16 is performing his interpretation of “Resurrection,” Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor, one of the composer’s most popular and critically acclaimed works.

The Madrigal Chorale of Southfield will accompany the OSO in concert at the Dearborn Civic Center at 8 p.m.

“This piece of music I have literally dreamed of being able to conduct,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham, an Illinois native, came to Oakland in 1997 for the opportunity to teach and to work with musicians.

He currently teaches orchestral and wind conducting at Oakland and serves as the university’s director of bands.

“These are highly trained musicians,” Cunningham said. “There are people in this orchestra with doctoral degrees in music sitting next to very talented students who can really benefit from this kind of experience. It is so important in their development as musicians.”

The performance will likely add to future growth of the OSO.

Cunningham is looking forward to the integration of student musicians and professionals not only for the benefit of the musicians, but also for his own personal enrichment and to lend an original and creative edge to the familiar piece of music.

He is predicting that the concert will reach all people, not just fans of classical music.

“I believe the community enrichment component of our mission can only be enhanced by performances like this,” Cunningham said. “If you come to it, you’re going to get energized by it. It’s absolutely magnificent. People, regardless of their experience with classical music, are going to respond to this piece.”

Wednesday night’s performance will heighten the cultural experience available at Oakland.

Tickets are $16 for students, $26 for general admission and $21 for seniors. To order tickets, call 248-370-3013 from Tuesday through Friday or visit StarTicketsPlus.com and use the search phrase “Oakland.”

For more information, call 248-370-3321 or e-mail [email protected].