History

The Golden Gate Bridge was still in the planning stages. Highway 101 was a simple two-lane paved road. The Great Depression was in full swing, and aside from ferries from Sausalito and San Rafael, along with limited rail service heading north, Marin County was both culturally and geographically isolated—yet a truly special place to live.

In 1933, a retired and renowned Wagnerian soprano, Maude Fay Symington, recognized the need to bring exceptional musical talent to Marin County. That summer, she gathered a group of like-minded individuals, and together they founded the Marin Music Chest, which received its official franchise from the State of California later that year.

Their mission was simple yet powerful:

“To provide the best music, for the greatest number of people, at the least cost.”

Community accessibility was at the heart of their vision. Membership was open to all, with contributions ranging from as little as five cents to hundreds of dollars. Members received a card granting admission to concerts for just 25 cents, while non-members paid three dollars per performance.

The Music Chest’s first concert took place in 1934, featuring Nelson Eddy as the soloist. Held in Forest Meadows on the grounds of Dominican College in San Rafael, the performance was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Following the concert, crowds of autograph seekers became so eager that police were required to hold them back from the stage.

Shortly after, membership surged to 9,000—nearly one-fifth of Marin County’s population at the time.

After more than 40 years of presenting world-class musical performances, the Marin Music Chest evolved its mission. Transitioning from concert presenter to community supporter, the organization shifted its focus to encouraging and providing scholarships to outstanding young musicians in Marin County—a mission that continues today.