A Mill Valley resident since 1997, Jenny Douglass has created a rewarding portfolio career as a violist, educator, event producer, and writer. She has been the Principal Violist of the Marin Symphony since 1999, and a member of the New Century Chamber Orchestra since 2008. Ms. Douglass is a frequent substitute with the San Francisco Symphony, performing with them in Davies Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and on several European tours. Jenny has also toured North and South America, Europe, and Asia with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and can be heard on several of their recordings for Deutsche Grammophon, including the 2001 Grammy Award winning CD, “Shadow Dances."

From 2015-2022, Jenny served as the Marin Symphony’s Director of Education and Community Engagement. She developed several initiatives that send Marin Symphony musicians into Marin County schools as well as community locations, including San Quentin Prison. In June 2019, Jenny created and produced a Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra tour, taking 90 teenagers to Europe for performances in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. Her proudest achievement was bringing them all back.

Jenny’s love for chamber music has taken her to festivals all over the US. Her chamber music partners have included Yo Yo Ma, Joseph Silverstein, Bruno Giuranna, and members of the San Francisco and Boston Symphonies. Ms. Douglass earned degrees from Oberlin Conservatory and the Juilliard School, studying with  Lynne Ramsey, Karen Tuttle, and Eugene Lehner. 

What is your hometown?

Newton, MA

How long have you performed with New Century?

Since 2008

What do you love about New Century?

I love the people that make up NCCO - the musicians, the staff, and the board. The whole team creates incredible concerts together.  I love that NCCO is high level chamber music (no conductor) that relies on every musician being totally present, prepared, and flexible. You have to be on your toes at all times - ready for anything.

What is your favorite New Century memory?

My favorite musical memory is performing a duo with Nadja - Lera Auerbach’s 'Sogno di Stabat Mater’. Hearing her sound so close to me and trying to match her intensity and music making skills pushed me to another level in my own playing.

How did you start learning your instrument, or who inspired you to begin?

I started playing the violin at age 4 in a Suzuki program in Chapel Hill, NC. When I was 13, the summer music camp I was attending needed violists, so during a rain storm, my teacher offered to teach me a violin lesson outside or a viola lesson inside. I switched to viola that day and never looked back.

What do you like to do when you're not being a musician? What are your hobbies?

I’m a daily NYT crossword puzzle fanatic since high school. As a new empty-nester, I now have time for more reading, gardening, and exercising, which has been great.

What's your favorite Bay Area place (restaurant, park, etc.)?

A perfect evening would be browsing in the Green Apple Book Store on Clement St, then walking a couple blocks for dinner at Burma Superstar.