History of the Marin Symphony

The Marin Symphony is one of the oldest, most prestigious, cultural organizations in Marin County. The orchestra was the inspiration of a small group of professional and amateur musicians who wished to bring classical music, performed by local artists, to the people of Marin. Originally chartered as the Symphony Guild of Marin, this fledgling organization was also committed to providing programs to give young people in Marin an incentive for musical study and accomplishment.

Marin County Catholic High School was the setting for the Marin Symphony's first official concert on December 14, 1952. The Symphony's performances remained there through the succeeding 13 seasons. The Symphony's second home through 1970 was the auditorium at the College of Marin. In 1971, the Symphony moved to its permanent home in the newly opened, 2,000-seat Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium where it remained until October, 1989, when seismic reinforcement to the hall necessitated a two-year hiatus. During this brief interval, the Symphony performances moved to Angelico Hall at Dominican University. On the occasion of the auditorium's 20th Anniversary on November 17, 1991, the Symphony returned to its home in the Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, where it still resides today.

In 2001, following a unique rehearsal audition procedure for finalists previously selected by a Search Committee, Alasdair Neale was appointed to the position of Music Director and Conductor. He succeeded Gary Sheldon who had served in these capacities for ten years. Sheldon replaced Sandor Salgo who had guided the orchestra for 33 years. Gastone Usigli was the orchestra's first official conductor.

Today, the orchestra has grown to include approximately 85 musicians, 70% union players and 30% non-union community players. A majority of these musicians come from throughout the Bay Area and represent all the major performing arts organizations.

Since 1954, the Board of Directors has supported a variety of youth programs. Today these include the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra, Crescendo Workshops and the Symphony@Schools program which brings adult musicians from the Marin Symphony orchestra into local schools to kindle the musical imaginations of grade school children throughout Marin.

Each year, the Marin Symphony orchestra presents six pairs of classical concerts in the Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium from October through May, the Symphony season. Additionally, occasional concerts such as the Holiday Concerts by Candlelight, Family concert and our innovative Musical Afternoons are offered with pride to the community for its inspiration and enrichment.

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The Marin Symphony Association
4340 Redwood Highway, Suite 409c
San Rafael, CA  94903

Phone: 415.479.8100
Fax: 415.479.8110