Nurses playing violin, teachers on timpani: Mill Valley Philharmonic is a community-run orchestra driven by the love of music and composed of players from many backgrounds. We asked conductor Dana Sadava about MVP, and what to know about its 25th anniversary season.
Coming up on Feb. 7 & 8, MVP performs at Mount Tam United Methodist Church Mill Valley.
Who makes up the Mill Valley Philharmonic?
Our orchestra is the most unique group I’ve ever worked with; the players are teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, stay-at-home parents, engineers and a few retired professional musicians. Everyone shares a deep love of making music with others.
Where does MVP typically perform?

MVP is lucky to have its home base at Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, which has a wonderful venue for live music. But the orchestra has performed all over Marin and even in National Parks!
Who founded MVP 25 years ago?
Laurie Cohen (conductor and Mill Valley resident) founded MVP and grew the orchestra into a large ensemble. It started out as a small group of string players and is now a full orchestra and community-run nonprofit organization.
What kind of works does the Philharmonic play?
The Philharmonic plays great music of all kinds, from the most famous symphonies ever written to 21st-century gems. In recent years we’ve enjoyed performing (free) family concerts with repertoire like Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. In February we’re performing some fun music from films like Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Proudest performances during your time?
Last season the Philharmonic played Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, which is very tuneful and accessible but a beast for any orchestra to play. The players rose to the occasion and delivered a really spectacular performance. A very kind attendee told me how much she enjoyed it, and added, “I love the SF Symphony but it’s such a hassle to get there sometimes. I’ll just come to your concerts from now on!” I was so proud to be part of that performance.
What inspires you about conducting/directing MVP?
An orchestra member once told me that he loves coming to MVP because he can lose himself in the music and take a break from “real life.” Music is so uplifting and healing for people both on and off the stage, and I get to stand in the center of the sound and help make it happen.
How would you introduce MVP to someone who doesn’t know about it?
We say that the Mill Valley Philharmonic is “Marin’s premier volunteer orchestra,” and I would add that it’s a very welcoming group of people who love to share classical music with the community!