The San Francisco Symphony (SFS) brought world-class entertainment to audiences this summer. Film classics, popular musicians, and composers kept patrons glued to their seats.
The symphony’s summer offerings included live performances of “Jaws” and “Pixar” in concert, as well as a stage appearance by singer-songwriter Ben Folds.
“Jaws in Concert” had SFS screening the 1975 horror film with live musical accompaniment. The ensemble’s performance of John Williams’ original score made this classic film all the more thrilling.
SFS also celebrated the music of Disney and Pixar films, taking audiences into the magical world of animated films. Don Hahn, produced of the critically acclaimed Disney titles like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast” made a special appearance.
Patrons watched clips of some of the most memorable Disney and Pixar moments while SFS played the score live.
Pianist and singer Ben Folds also joined the SFS for an unforgettable evening. The set list included original compositions, as well as his work with Ben Folds Five, a piano rock outfit that he also fronts.
Season highlights for 2017-2018
Missed the summer series? SFS has more in store for the rest of the season.
The symphony will celebrate Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday. SFS will pay tribute to the late conductor by playing his best-known compositions.
Watch your favorite films like never before. SFS will also provide live accompaniment to screenings of “West Side Story”, “Home Alone”, and “Amadeus”.
Guest conductors from Russia, Poland, Finland, France, and the Czech Republic will play music from their home countries. Listen as Jakub Hrůša conducts Smetana and watch Osmo Vänskä conduct Sibelius.
A number of holiday concerts will also take place at Davies Symphony Hall. Bach Collegium Japan will play Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio”, while the San Francisco Symphony Chorus will perform George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah”.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” will also be staged at the hall, with live actors and a live performance of Vince Guaraldi’s composition in front of an animated backdrop.
About the San Francisco Symphony
SFS was formed after civic leaders saw the need for a permanent orchestra in a music-loving city like SF. The symphony started playing concerts in December 1911, bringing audiences a mix of classic and contemporary music.
Some of the world’s most celebrated conductors have graced the SFS podium, including Bruno Walter, Leonard Bernstein, Leopold Stokowski, and Georg Solti.
In 1995, Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) was appointed Music Director. SFS went on to receive 11 Grammy® awards under his leadership – three for a 1999 recording of Igor Stravinsky’s ballet scores, seven for its Mahler recording cycle.
SFS also offers an extensive education program, bringing music to the classrooms of the San Francisco Unified School District.
About the venue
Davies Symphony Hall opened in 1980. Amenities include a gift shop, food and drinks concessionaires, and spaces that may be rented for private events. The magnificent Orchestra Lobby greets concert-goers upon entering, while the First Tier offers the best seats in the house.
The Wattis Room can seat up to 80 guests for an intimate dinner, and can accommodate up to 200 for large receptions. Enjoy pre-concert dining at Wattis – the menu fuses California and French cuisine. Sit down for a lovely three-course meal before catching a concert, or host a private party at this elegant venue.
You may also go on a volunteer-led tour of Davies Symphony Hall on Wednesdays. Tours are available by appointment.