Marin Symphony

Marin Symphony'' is a distinguished cultural institution based in Marin County, California, with a rich history that dates back to the early 1950s. It stands as one of the longest-running and most prestigious orchestras in the Bay Area, dedicated to delivering high-caliber symphonic concerts and enriching the local community through classical music.\n\n===History===\nThe origins of the Marin Symphony can be traced to a small group of professional and amateur musicians who, driven by their passion for classical music, sought to make it accessible to the residents of Marin. The organization was initially established as the Symphony Guild of Marin, with a dual mission to perform classical music and to encourage musical education among the youth of the community.\n\nThe inaugural concert of the Marin Symphony took place on December 14, 1952, at the Marin County Catholic High School. For the next 13 seasons, this venue served as the orchestra's home. In the following years, the Symphony relocated to the College of Marin auditorium until 1971. With the opening of the Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, the Symphony found its permanent residence, where it continued to perform until a two-year hiatus in 1989 due to seismic reinforcement work. During this interval, the Symphony's performances were held at Angelico Hall at Dominican University. The orchestra returned to the Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium in 1991, commemorating the venue's 20th anniversary, and has remained there since.\n\nToday, the Marin Symphony boasts approximately 85 professional musicians, primarily union members, who hail from across the Bay Area and are affiliated with major performing arts organizations. The Symphony has consistently supported youth programs since 1954, which now include the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra for ages 12-19, Crescendo/Overture for ages 8-15, and the SymphonySchools programs.\n\n===Performances and Education===\nThroughout its season, which runs from October through May, the Marin Symphony presents a series of Masterworks classical concerts at the Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium. In addition to traditional classical repertoire, the Symphony offers specialty concerts and events such as the Holiday Concerts by Candlelight, Holiday Pops, and Family Concerts.\n\nThe educational initiatives of the Marin Symphony are designed to engage and inspire the next generation of musicians and concert audiences. Through its educational programs, the Symphony aims to expand and deepen the concert experience, fostering a lifelong appreciation for classical music.\n\n===Vision and Mission===\nThe vision of the Marin Symphony is to present the highest caliber symphonic concerts, connecting and engaging with the community at a deeper level, and to expand its reach to include a broader spectrum of individuals who share a love for classical music. The Symphony's mission is to enhance the artistic excellence of the orchestra and its impact in the Bay Area as a quality, professional, and accessible organization. It seeks to enrich, educate, and transform lives through classical music, with a focus on audience development, particularly among underserved community members, youth, and families in Marin County.\n\nThe Marin Symphony is led by Music Director Alasdair Neale and Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz. It is governed by a Board of Directors and managed by a dedicated staff. The organization also relies on the support of donors, sponsors, and volunteers to sustain its programs and continue its tradition of bringing great music to the community.\n\n==External Links==\n* [https://www.marinsymphony.org/ Official Website]\n* [https://www.facebook.com/marinsymphony Facebook Page]\n* [https://twitter.com/marinsymphony Twitter Profile]\n* [https://www.youtube.com/user/MarinSymphony YouTube Channel]\n\n[[Category:American orchestras]]\n[[Category:Musical groups established in 1952]]\n[[Category:Organizations based in Marin County, California]]