In 2007 the Worship and Music Committee accepted a proposal to develop a concert series at Marin Lutheran Church entitled Festival of the Arts at Marin Lutheran. The key elements of this proposal were, first, to continue the long-standing tradition at Marin Lutheran of fostering fine music; second, to continue the long-standing tradition of Marin Lutheran being a locus of fine music and musicians; and third, to encourage artists, both seasoned and emerging, to perform in our beautiful setting.
Our opening offering, in 2007, began with a very successful program presenting the well-regarded brass ensemble Brazzissimo!, followed, in 2008, with an engaging program devoted to local artist Cynthia Pepper entitled: Cynthia Pepper – a retrospective in film, dance, and art. Ms. Pepper is an excellent example of an eclectic and superbly talented artist living quietly in our community. Further offerings include, the so entitled Concert d’Amour, a facinating program featuring historic love- letters read by local actors supported by period love- songs sung by area vocalists. Our most recent production was a Halloween-themed concert called: That Old Black Magic, emphasizing familiar and obscure songs and readings around the theme of Halloween. All of these interesting and original programs have been well received and attended.
In addition to the excellent outreach element of a concert series, the committee felt it vital to the charitable nature of Marin Lutheran Church to identify worthy beneficiaries of our receipts after expenses. In example, the most recent concert benefited an emerging foundation located in Marin County called Art From the Heart Marin, a non-profit that reaches out to children of low-income families providing after-school enrichment programs.
