Mission

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.

About Us

The Orchestra

Visitors and newcomers to the Symphony of the Redwoods are often amazed to discover the high caliber of our orchestra. Inspired and guided by Allan 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 are from Sacramento and the Bay Area. They attend at least six 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 by a small group of local musicians, and was conducted by Tyler Lincoln. The original orchestra of 27 musicians, several of whom still play with the orchestra, has grown to include 45-50 amateur and professional musicians from Mendocino, Humboldt, Lake and Sonoma Counties and the Bay Area. Since 1989, Music Director and Conductor Allan Pollack has 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 performs three pairs of concerts at Cotton Auditorium in Fort Bragg, the first on Saturday night, the second on Sunday afternoon. The Symphony also sponsors The Opus Chamber Music Series on Sunday afternoons at Preston Hall in nearby Mendocino, and has recently taken under its wing the Navarro River String Camp, an intensive residential camp for adult string learners.

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 a Children’s Concert, as well as to other local musical performances such as the Mendocino Music Festival, Fort Bragg Center for the Arts Music Series, The Mendocino Art Center, and Gloriana theatre Company.