# Marin Symphony Presents Masterworks 4: Hogarth Conducts Firebird
The Marin Symphony wraps up its season with “Masterworks 4: Hogarth Conducts Firebird,” a concert led by Music Director finalist Brad Hogarth. This event brings centuries of musical innovation together, featuring everything from Handel to Stravinsky.
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Concertmaster Ani Bukujian steps into the spotlight as violin soloist. The program moves through different eras and styles, mixing celebratory fanfares, dazzling concerto moments, and wild orchestral storytelling.
Concert Program Highlights
The May 31, 2025 lineup spans multiple centuries. Each piece adds something unique, balancing technical fireworks with real emotional punch.
Opening with Handel
The concert kicks off with Handel’s Overture from Music for the Royal Fireworks. Handel wrote this 18th-century piece for an outdoor party in London’s Green Park.
With its bold brass and triumphant fanfares, the music makes a big impression right from the start. Regal melodies fill the air—it’s hard not to feel a little swept up.
Prokofiev’s Violin Showcase
Ani Bukujian takes center stage for Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No.1 in D Major. This piece asks a lot from the soloist, shifting from dreamy passages to lively dance rhythms.
Prokofiev composed it during the Russian Revolution. The music looks both forward and back, blending innovation with a nod to tradition.
Ravel’s Fairy Tale Journey
Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite changes the mood with delicate orchestration and a playful, storytelling vibe. Originally, he wrote it as a piano duet for kids, but the orchestral version opens up a whole new world of sound.
The suite paints fairy tales like “Sleeping Beauty,” “Tom Thumb,” and “Beauty and the Beast” in vivid musical colors. It’s whimsical, sometimes a little mysterious, and always charming.
The Spectacular Firebird Finale
The grand finale is Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, taken from his groundbreaking ballet. Stravinsky shook up orchestral music with dramatic contrasts and punchy rhythms here.
The story follows a magical glowing bird helping a prince defeat an evil sorcerer. The music builds and builds—honestly, the ending is a thrill ride.
Event Details
The Marin Symphony offers two performance times, making it easier for folks to fit the concert into their weekend. The James Dunn Theatre’s intimate space lets you catch details that might get lost in a big hall.
Performance Information
Date: May 31, 2025
Times: 3:00pm and 7:30pm
Conductor: Brad Hogarth
Violin Soloist: Ani Bukujian
Location: James Dunn Theatre at College of Marin (corner of Sir Francis Drake & Laurel Avenue, Kentfield)
Ticket Options
The Symphony has tiered pricing and solid subscriber discounts:
- Section 1 (middle rows center): Subscriber: $80; Single Tickets: $83 + $3 fee
- Section 2 (front and back rows center, side sections): Subscriber: $55; Single Tickets: $58 + $3 fee
- Section 3 (front row, back row, side front corners, wheelchair): Subscriber: $40; Single Tickets: $43 + $3 fee
- Youth (17 and under, all sections): Subscriber: $20; Single Tickets: $20 + $3 fee
Why This Concert Matters
This isn’t just a season finale. It’s also a key moment in the Symphony’s search for a new Music Director and a chance to see Brad Hogarth’s vision in action.
The Conductor’s Significance
Brad Hogarth, as the fourth finalist, brings a fresh perspective. His program choices show he values contrast, pairing familiar masterworks with pieces that push both the orchestra and the audience.
It’s always fascinating to see how a conductor shapes an orchestra’s sound and energy. Maybe this concert will offer a glimpse into the Symphony’s future.
The Local Connection
Concertmaster Ani Bukujian steps up as soloist, shining a spotlight on Marin’s own musical talent. That local connection brings a special kind of meaning to a program that reaches across musical traditions from around the world.
The James Dunn Theatre feels cozy and personal. You can actually sense the closeness between the audience and the performers—it’s hard not to notice.
Looking for all the program details or ready to grab tickets? Check out the Marin Symphony website.
I’d suggest getting tickets early. This mix of well-loved masterworks and standout local talent tends to fill seats fast.
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