Twenty-seven musicians performed the first Symphony of the Redwoods concert in 1983. Now, after twenty-four years of serious work, the Symphony has come of age.
Visitors and newcomers to the Symphony of the Redwoods are often amazed to discover the high calibre of our orchestra. Inspired and guided by the effervescent 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, and 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.
