In response to audience demand, and in an effort to reach a larger segment of the community, the Marin Symphony 
Association today announced that with its expansion of Pops programming Stuart Chafetz has been appointed to the new position of Principal Pops Conductor of the Marin Symphony. Maestro Alasdair Neale continues to lead the organization’s artistic production as Music Director and conductor of the Classical Masterworks Programs and the Holiday Pops concert. Mr. Chafetz will be involved in artistic planning and publicity for the Pops offerings, and will conduct both the Fall and Spring Pops concerts.
Marin Symphony Association Executive Director Tod Brody said “When the Marin Symphony decided to reach out to an even larger populace by developing a Pops series, we wanted to find just the right person to lead that effort. We’re thrilled that the answer to that quest was right here in our neighborhood. Marin County’s own Stuart Chafetz has built a huge reputation as a Pops conductor and leader throughout the U.S., and we know our audiences are going to love him and his work.”
Neale, the Marin Symphony’s Music Director since 2001, said that he is delighted to welcome Chafetz to the Marin Symphony. “Stuart brings with him a wealth of experience in the field, and as a long-time orchestral timpanist, he knows how to work with our musicians. I’m very much looking forward to partnering with him as the Marin Symphony continues its upward trajectory.”
Chafetz, a conductor celebrated for his dynamic and engaging podium presence, also serves as the Principal Pops Conductor of the Columbus Symphony and is increasingly in demand with orchestras across the continent. This season he will be on the podium in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Naples, Philly Pops, and Pittsburgh. Chafetz enjoys a special relationship with The Phoenix Symphony where he leads multiple programs annually. He makes his home in San Rafael with his wife Ann Krinitsky, who is the Music Director of the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Chafetz shared “I’m thrilled to become part of the Marin Symphony’s family as its first Principal Pops Conductor! As we open the 19-20 Season with the extraordinary Cirque de la Symphonie performances, the Marin Symphony Pops will ‘fly high’ in September. Living in Marin for the last decade has been an absolute joy, and getting to work with my home town orchestra is a dream come true. I’m looking forward to seeing thousands of Marinites of all ages at the Marin Symphony Pops.”
Chafetz will be on the Podium when the Marin Symphony kicks off its 68th season performing Cirque de la Symphonie, which brings the magic of the circus to the concert hall. Dazzling aerial flyers, acrobats, and jugglers perform on stage as the orchestra plays classical masterpieces including works by Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, and Wagner.