This fall marks a thrilling new chapter for the Marin Symphony as it welcomes acclaimed conductor Fawzi Haimor as its new music director.

Known for his dynamic artistry and global perspective, Haimor launches his inaugural season at the podium on November 8th and 9th with Masterworks I: Liszt & Brahms at the James Dunn Theatre on the College of Marin’s Kentfield campus.

The program balances fresh discovery with timeless beauty, opening with the propulsive, contemporary work Tarantismo by New Zealand–Greek composer John Psathas. The Symphony’s own principal pianist, John Wilson, then joins Haimor for two virtuosic Liszt showpieces—Hungarian Fantasy and Totentanz—before the orchestra closes with Brahms’s beloved Symphony No. 2 in D Major.

Marin Symphony's new music director, Fawzi Haimor(Courtesy of Marin Symphony)

Born in Chicago to a Filipina mother and Jordanian-Lebanese father, Haimor’s open-hearted approach to music-making reflects his international upbringing. He served as music director of Germany’s Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen from 2017 to 2020 and has appeared with ensembles including the BBC Philharmonic, Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, and the Pittsburgh Symphony, where he was previously associate conductor.

“I believe music is a bridge,” says Haimor. “It’s a way to tell human stories that transcend language and background. My goal is to make the concert hall feel like a place where everyone belongs.”

Under his leadership, the Marin Symphony is expanding its reach, presenting a diverse repertoire and creating more opportunities for community engagement and education, while its world-class musicians continue to passionately perform great orchestral masterworks.

As the Symphony celebrates its 74th season, patrons old and new alike have the opportunity to experience the beginning of this exhilarating new era.