“It seems to me that we as a community should all take great pride in all that the Symphony of the Redwoods has accomplished over these many years. That this astonishing orchestra has survived for so long pays great tribute to both you who have supported it and those devoted musicians who have worked ceaselessly to assure its continued success”
—Allan Pollack, Music Director and Conductor

The Orchestra
Visitors and newcomers to the Symphony of the Redwoods are often amazed to discover the high calibre of our orchestra. Inspired and guided by Allen Pollack, more than fifty musicians hone their skills and blend into a powerful ensemble. About half of the regular orchestra members are from the Fort-Bragg-Mendocino area, twenty-five percent from as far as Arcata, Lake County, Sea Ranch, Covelo, and Sebastopol. The remainder from Sacramento and the Bay Area. They attend at least ten rehearsals for every concert; on concert weekends they rehearse on Friday evening and Saturday morning, then perform on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon before returning home. A typical configuration is about fifty musicians, depending on the demands of the repertoire.

Past, Present, & Future

The Symphony of the Redwoods was founded in 1983 and has grown to include 45-50 amateur and professional musicians from Mendocino, Humboldt, Lake and Sonoma Counties and the Bay Area. Music Director and Conductor Allan Pollack has inspired and developed the orchestra into a dedicated and impressive musical force, performing challenging and interesting pieces as well as the beloved classics.

Between September and May the orchestra plays three "sets" of two concerts, the first on Saturday night, the second on Sunday afternoon in Fort Bragg. The Symphony also sponsors The Opus Chamber Music Series on Sunday afternoons at Preston Hall in nearby Mendocino.

In addition to concerts and Opus chamber music performances, orchestra members contribute their talents throughout the year to Symphony fundraisers, musical salons held in private homes, the annual  Pops Fundraiser Concert and Silent Auction, and a Pops concert, as well as to other local musical performances such as the Mendocino Music Festival, Opera Fresca, Fort Bragg Center for the Arts Chamber Music Series, The Mendocino Art Center, and Gloriana Opera Company.

Board of Directors President: Jason Kirkman Board Member: Lee Tepper Vice President: Eric Van Dyke Treasurer: Tess Albin-Smith Board Member: Ken Simpkins Board Member: Elvia Cuevas Board Member: Ken Cave Board Member: Sally Hernandez Board Member: Irene Malone Board Member: Bob Wheat Board Member: Terry Knaus

Symphony Creative and Administrative Staff Conductor: Allan Pollack Manager: Kris Stuart     Personel Dirctor/Librarian: Sandra Cosca       Production Photography: Allan Droyan, Mike Romo, Nick Wilson, Dave Mathews Program Design: Liz Petersen - RevUp Creative Media Stage Manager: T White Technical Resource: Matt Rowland, Tony Tringale Ticket Design: Beckman Printing Website Design and Development: Dave Mathews - KopiaWeb

 

Email us at symphony@mcn.org or call (707) 964-0898