Their local performances are delightful. We are so fortunate that the symphony continues to bring us beautiful music in a time of so much noise. read more

The Marin Symphony offers breathtaking performances with talented musicians and perfect acoustics!

Beautiful symphonic music with great ambience. I would encourage people to visit and enjoy something that may be new to them. Cheers! read more

The Marin Symphony is the little-known classical music secret of the Bay Area, the perfect solution for folks in Marin who don't want to deal with the hassle of going to the city to hear a symphony. Though it's not on par with the San Francisco Symphony, a number of musicians from that symphony do perform with the Marin Symphony as well (such as the concert master Jeremy Constant). The conductor, Alasdair Neale, is fantastic, and if you go to the concert early you can hear him speak about the pieces that will be performed later that evening. (bias)Also of particular note is the amazing principle flautist Jeanie Chandler, and also the rock-solid bass section.(/bias) read more

What a treat! The Marin Symphony is a highly underrated group. And my new favorite musical orchestra. Though I am from San Francisco and have seen the SF Symphony at Davies several times, I much more prefer the Marin Symphony performances at the Marin Veterans Memorial Center. I've seen two performances this year--Waterfront Pops: The Music of John Williams, and most recently Holiday Pops. Waterfront Pops was performed outdoors near the Lagoon of the Marin Center. There is ample parking, and very easy to get to just off the freeway. The line up was amazing, and had all of my favorite John Williams songs. The choice of songs was arranged perfectly, starting and ending with Olympic themes. Indiana Jones, Schindler's List, The Patriot, Hook, Jaws, ET, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Superman...All of the classics were played. The songs transported you back to the movie all over again. The Holiday Pops performance was equally beautiful. I love the intimate venue of the Marin Center, as every seat is a good one. Tickets for performances are extremely reasonable--$50.00 for an orchestra seat. Song choice was just perfect, mixing in traditional songs with more contemporary arrangements. The Nutcracker selection was a treat, and at times, sounded better than when I saw the actual performance of the Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House (I do not like the sound system there). The finale of Sleigh Bells topped off a truly magical evening. Conductor Alasdair Neal is a lot of fun, personable, and tells great stories. He's a lot of fun to watch conducting as he gets really animated and always looks like hes having so much fun on stage. At one point, during the Trepak performance from the Nutcracker, it looks like he was having a seizure of some sort from from his enthusiasm. Overall, I thoroughly enjoy seeing the Marin Symphony on the two occasions that I've attended their shows, and look forward to seeing Disney Classics next year. A must. read more

Marin Symphony - Holiday Pops Concert - Performing Arts Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Sofie and I attend the Symphony in SF at Davies and at Green Music Center in Santa Rosa. We have been to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium twice now - once to see Sleeping Beauty (opera) and last evening for the closing concert of the season. We were impressed with the performance quality of the symphony and the leadership of Alasdair Nealeis Music Director. Alasdair has a manner of the performance that enhances the experience. When his arms came down at the end of each performance, he froze in motion and there was a dead silence for several bars - before he resumed movement to turn around and smile. That small gesture adds to the moment - allows the mind to adjust and reflect on what the ears just heard. Sofie and I have never seen the Marin Symphony - or Nealeis before, so we both had a moment of amusement to see him bounce out with such passion as one who drank too much coffee compared to San Francisco's Michael Tilson Thomas who floats out to the podium as if on rails. Alasdair connects with the audience and I thought, "I like that guy! He's got spark!" Sofie and I enjoyed all three of the musical selections - even the contemporary "Mothership" composed by the youthful Mason Bates. The quality of the music was as good as either Green Music Center or Davies Hall. The Veterans Memorial Auditorium leaves a lot to be desired with 1970 style decor and (so I am told) inadequate facilities for the women with long lines even before the concert. The auditorium is small and "friendly" with more legroom than Green Music Center or Davies - but it needs a serious makeover! I feel in a time warp expecting guys with bell bottoms and girls in go-go boots to come walking in. If you live in Santa Rosa, it is a 35 minute drive to Veterans Memorial with oodles of free parking! That's a big bonus when considered to the agony of driving into SF to Davies - fighting for parking and food before the concert. read more

Marin Symphony - View from 12th row seats 28 and 30. - Performing Arts Near Me - San Rafael, California

We attended the Marin Symphony concert this evening; were impressed and delighted by the experience. Both the program (created by Music Director Alasdair Neale?) and the quality of the musicians were outstanding. The program consisted of five pieces, only three of which were advertised ahead of time. Two shorter pieces were surprised additions: a short Massenet (I think) piece in memory of a much loved patron, and a short final thank you to the audience. The first was piece of the evening was composed in 2006 by Missy Mazzoli. It was audacious and haunting. It made me want to know more about her. One of the major pieces, a Sinfonia by Mozart, was a showcase for the talents of Jenny Douglas, first Chair Viola, and Jeremy Constant, the concertmaster. They played joyfully and collaboratively, and won the audiences' hearts. All in all, this was an experience that far exceeded my expectations. read more