Musicians of California’s Marin Symphony. Photo by Stuart Lirette.
In the July 2 San Francisco Classical Voice, Lilly O’Brien writes, “Since 1971, the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (VMA) at the Marin County Civic Center has been the home of the Marin Symphony. Three years ago, however, the 85-musician orchestra, founded in 1952, was hit with the unexpected news that the VMA would be closed for seismic retrofitting during the 2022–2023 season and that the orchestra would have to find an alternative venue. On top of that, the Symphony was embarking on a search to replace its illustrious music director, Alasdair Neale, who was departing at the end of that season after 22 years at the helm. A committee of 12 members, including musicians, board members, and staff, meticulously reviewed 125 applicants for the position, narrowing them down to four finalists. For Neale’s final season, the orchestra’s administration first planned to hold concerts in the much smaller Exhibit Hall, also at the Marin Civic Center…. But as construction delays at the VMA piled up one by one, the Symphony [had to adapt] … ‘It was great that we could do it,’ said Executive Director Tod Brody…. ‘But at the same time, it created tremendous upheaval.’… The staff and board, many of whom are also musicians (including Brody …) have remained strong and positive.”
