Last night was the debut and crowning of the brand new SF Synphony conductor, Elim Chan. I feel her vibrancy and this town needs some vibrancy. I was up at 2nd tier and it was the best seat because I had a clear view of the orchestra. La Mer and Wagner were for me the standouts. Loved watching the musicians. My favorites: guy with clarinet, timpani, the Chinese gong, the trumpet, piccolo (lady). Elim was so inclusive and mentioned we need patrons to come to the symphony so that the hard working musicians can play for us. I can't wait what she brings to the SF Symphony. Her program won't start till 2027. Michael Tilson Thomas was mentioned and honored by the soprano. He was our SF conductor for 25 years and passed away recently. Elim is young at 39 years old. Can't wait to hear her conduct in this beautiful great place. This Saturday, she'll be conducting. Go get a ticket and celebrate! read more

San Francisco Symphony - Elim Chan, new SF Synphony conductor, photo courtesy of another fan - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Came to see the 98 year old Herbert Blomstedt conduct Mahler's Ninth Symphony. Unfortunately, he was too ill to perform Saturday's show after conducting Friday. With a guest conductor stepping in, the orchestra still shined. A truly unforgettable performance filled with the beauty, joy, despair, hope darkness and warmth that makes up Mahler's works. read more

Amazing place, always clean and decorated. Wonderful shows. I've been to two, the orchestra for a ratatouille movie and for the sf meat men chorus. Only down one star because of the super pricey drinks... a cup of coffee for $7 yikes. You can find good food in surrounding areas so you can just eat before a show. read more

San Francisco Symphony - San Francisco's Gay Men Chorus - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Danny Elfman's show last night was amazing! I love going to the SF symphony. I recommend reserving parking with your tickets. read more

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Hey guys ..it's 2025 ...I'm heading back to China to be in the homeland ..don't forget me ..when u r double 40

Loved the show! Boyz to men are such classy gentlemen. Such a wonderful show. The staff are really top notch, well maintained areas. They politely asked people not to hang their belongings on the metal posts next to seat to prevent blockage of view. Things like that I take into consideration. Again, it was a beautiful evening read more

San Francisco Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love this venue, great acoustics, mic set up. I don't think there's a bad seat in the house. read more

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I don't believe I've had a bad time at the SF Symphony. Most of the events that I've attended have been fun, out of the norm events. Not a far walk from public transit. Great thing is they now offer a group walk back to transit if you don't feel safe. The building it about 3 floors high. If you are at the top like I've been many of times, be sure to count in that ascent time. Bathrooms are located on all levels. The seats are tight and walking space is tight. Try not to bring too much stuff with you. Sit back, relax and enjoy your time at the SF Symphony. read more

Wow. What a way to spend a Thursday evening. Able to attend a reception after. The bartenders were all very friendly as well as the staff. My favorite was the pianist. read more

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To begin, we bought our tickets well in advance at 3x the price that was advertised day of. That's ridiculous. Also, people were screaming and shouting throughout THE ENTIRE SHOW -- this was so inappropriate and annoying. It was an overstimulating experience and I would have liked to see the attendants who were enforcing covered drinks also enforce noise level. read more

I attended a great event here. It was a showing of Encanto with music by the San Francisco Symphony. I ordered my tickets online and had them mailed to me. When I got there, it wasn't immediately clear which entrance to use. I waited by the upper doors, but couldn't enter that way. For some reason, everyone has to enter near the box office even if they already have tickets. Makes things a bit crowded right before the doors open. The elevators are slow enough to make you wonder if they ate working before they arrive. I found my seat, and it had a good view. The seats are a bit old, and as is standard in most theaters, they aren't very wide. It was a decently comfortable seat. The Orchestra itself was wonderful. I'd gladly seen another concert or movie with concert here. They had great energy and enthusiasm, and it looked like they were having fun with the music. At intermission I sought out food and drinks. The line for food was very long. It took most of intermission to wait on it. I ordered a sandwich and a soda. I ate half my sandwich and was about to head back in, but then I was told no eating in the theater. They did allow me to close the box and bring it with me, after offering to hold the food for me. They should have signs near the food stands warning people they only have intermission to eat. They offer main courses, but there's no time to eat them. I didn't see if the food stands were open before the show. If so, that would be the better time to eat as the doors open an hour before showtime. There are doors from the second tier that open onto lovely balconies with great views. Be sure to take a look. Overall, it was a great evening. I'd return, though I'd love to see a few minor organizational and signage changes. read more

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I miss SF symphony. I usually like front orchestra row. Except for those movie pictures then I go back some. Will definitely love to come back just not sure when. read more

Native San Franciscan here and I had never been to the Symphony until 08/01/2025. I wish I hadn't waited so long. This place is an amazing experience from start to finish. Ticket staff 10/10 Helped me get a wonderful ticket for a great price and very helpful recommending places close by. Ushers 10/10 Friendly and kind. Orchestra 10/10 Music conducted beautifully making the whole experience magical Security 20/10 My ride was late picking me up and the security guard stayed and kept the lights on till my ride got there. His name was Manny and he went above and beyond. I hope you get a chance to experience this amazing place . There are so many different shows that will appeal to everyone. Thank you SF Symphony for the magic! read more

We attended a fantastic show this weekend at the symphony. Casino Royale was shown while the symphony played....I have seen this movie many times but this was the best by far! The buildings main entrance is on the street between the opera house which is pretty busy before the show started. We like using an Uber or Lift to avoid local parking as it can be expensive in that area. For the symphony you can't order your intermission food or beverage online. Helpful hint: you can order it with your bartender before the show starts. That way, it will be at a table waiting for you and you don't have to wait in line (the line can be long). Just look for the table with your name on it!!! There is really no bad seat in the place so purchase a ticket which matches your budget....the venue is awesome!! read more

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What a full day at Davies Hall at its Annual SF Symphony Dia de Los Muertos concert! Known for its vibrant festivities for this concert, it is sold out year after year! There is an hour of free pre concert festivities where there are Mexican cultural groups performing, curated alters to admire, walking Katrinas and arts and crafts activities for all ticket holders! Following is a 90 minute colorful concert put on by its world class orchestra with guest conductor and artists. People who attend are happy AND excited , filled with anticipation for the concert! Many are dressed up and obviously into the SPIRIT of Dia! A fabulous Fiesta dinner is offered for patrons who desire to continue the celebration! If you haven't been to it, get your tickets for next year! Ticket prices are reasonable, usually start around $35! read more

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Seeing Titanic Live! at the San Francisco Symphony was nothing short of a dream come true. This experience had been on my bucket list for years, and it exceeded every expectation I had--and then some. From the very first swell of the orchestra, I was completely immersed. Watching James Cameron's Titanic--a film that already holds such emotional weight--paired with a live symphonic performance was transcendent. The San Francisco Symphony brought James Horner's iconic score to life with breathtaking precision and passion. Every note, every nuance was felt deep in my chest. The way the music soared during the ship's grand moments and swelled during its most heartbreaking scenes gave the story an even greater emotional impact. Hearing "My Heart Will Go On" performed live, surrounded by an audience just as emotionally invested as I was gave me a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I had chills. Actual chills. And many tears. I've always adored Titanic--the storytelling, the history, the romance, the heartbreak--and seeing it performed live like this felt like the perfect blend of cinematic and musical magic. It was more than a performance; it was an experience I'll never forget. read more

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La La Land screening last night at San Francisco Symphony was magical. Conducting the musicians was Justin Hurwitz! He composed music for the film. There were albums which he signed at the event. The SFS even made a special cocktail called City of Light sold at the bar. Music, a strong drink and festival crowd made it a perfect night!!! read more

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Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman -- Ludwig van Beethoven The 9th Symphony is my favorite. I try and see it performed as much as possible. After a brilliant dinner at Ken was really looking forward to a Saturday night's performance with Michael Tilson Thomas (who due to illness this may be his last time performing this piece). We arrived 15 minutes late which I know is a classical music faux pas but dinner went longer than anticipated. The ushers were very adamant we were not going to be shown to our seats. Evidently because of the conductor's illness they had eliminated the first piece. We were never informed beforehand in the change of programming. I would have been happy to skip the opening piece to see the 9th in its entirety. Eventually, we were let in to lesser seats which made no sense. Why not just take us to the seats we paid for? I didn't get upset at the ushers. They were just following orders which were stupid. When we got to our seats, the teenager in front of us kept taking out his camera to snap videos. It was really upsetting the older woman next to me. Eventually it started to annoy me, especially since his mother did nothing to discourage it, and I snapped too harshly at him. He was just being overly enthusiastic but all of the annoyances had built up. What an awful concert night. I won't attend an SF Symphony performance ever again. No communication regarding changes in programming and overly dogmatic seating rules. Not recommended read more

I've been attending SFS concerts for many decades. Their work is generally very good. Last Sunday was partially an exception. I'm not critizing the conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen or the players (they are all very good.) What I object to is one particular piece on the program: REWILDING, by Gabriella Smith. It's really just a message (environmentalism) with very poor musical qualities. It was really hard for me to listen to with strident sounds from the violins, especially. Very hard to endure. The rest of the concert was just fine. read more

I attended the SF Symphony's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at Shoreline Amphitheatre, and it was an amazing and beautiful sound. The orchestra is made up of extraordinary musicians, and they created a wonderful and entertaining show for guests on this evening. There were large screens above the lawn seating at Shoreline, so we were able to view the orchestra on stage, and you could tell just how professional and talented each and every musician was, and the attention to detail in the instruments they played.  Beyond the typical patriotic tunes, they played music from West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, and other Disney classics. I'm definitely a fan of Alan Menken's music, so I absolutely appreciated the SF Symphony's performance of his work. I especially loved the music performed during the fireworks show at the end of the night.. the Star Wars medley was awesome, and of course more patriotic pieces, like America the Beautiful, topped off our celebration of the holiday. I really enjoyed this concert, and would love to see and hear them perform at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco someday. read more

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The Davies Symphony Hall is a beautiful venue located at 201 Van Ness Ave in San Francisco. Located about a 10 minute walk from Civic Center Bart station, but reasonably priced parking is also available. The seats are divided up with some having a perfect view and some with partially obstructed views of the complete orchestra. There's loge seating on the sides of the orchestra seating if you prefer a little exclusivity, but buy tickets early as these are the first to sell. Also there are a couple tiers above for a bird's eye view. I think the sound is solid no matter where a person is seated but from the front seat of the orchestra where I was seating, I was unable to see some of the musicians. Food-wise, there is a full bar. Also a snack stand with sandwiches, snacks, desserts, sodas, etc to eat before the show or during intermission. The evening I went, they were playing Marvel's Black Panther score featuring the Senegalese Tama talking drum musician, Massamba Diop. So how was it? It was an entertaining show. The orchestra sounded amazing, playing alongside the movie Black Panther. I like the musicians in their all black attire, seeing how each individual instrument plays a vital role in the overall sound of the music. The harp, trombone, violin, cello, etc, playing together was awesome. I told my wife if I had the traditional Asian parents that pushed me to be a success driven, forced self-disciplined child like so many, I would've been up there playing the clarinet or something. But I digress. Excellent evening out. I absolutely recommend going to see the SF Symphony. I think parents that have the means to take there children, watching the symphony makes for a wholesome activity for the whole family. read more

Consistently a magical experience over many years of attending many symphonies. It is worth it to get season tickets; you get a good seat and never have to worry about missing a special concert. They perform an interesting range of pieces and composers, from soloists to orchestras from far-away places. It is admittedly nearly as much fun to people watch during the intermission - some trot out their finest gowns and jewels, while others show up in jeans and sneakers. There is a small café at which to grab a cup of coffee before or after the symphony. Parking is an absolute nightmare; you can pay $50 to park at an unsafe local lot, or you can just take an Uber. I highly recommend the latter. A magical evening, top (hat) to (coat) tails. read more

Frequented SF Symphony during COVID. Performances were always good and particularly enjoyed holiday special events. Each performance was tastefully designed and was an amazing presentation of art. I love how each could interpreted the music into different forms. Amazing. All volunteers there have always been helpful and wonderful. I enjoyed talking to them. Symphony also has fabulous holiday specific decorations (e.g. Halloween and definitely around Christmas). The view at night has always been great. I used to Uber in a lot but realized the parking garage nearby is super safe with very friendly staff. Can't give them 5 stars due to the liquor situation. I jokingly said that they got very expensive cheap wine.... that is true. There are plenty of restaurants around too. Their July 4th event is also very special. But parking and exiting was challenging last year (took 1 or 2 hrs to get out of the parking lot). Hopefully, that situation has been improving now (missed this year but hoping to get back in the future). read more

I love going to shows here for the movie nights and special events. The entire place is kept up well. Only thing that can ruin your time there is the other guests. read more

Wow! The San Francisco Symphony was incredible in their accompaniment to the movie Top Gun Maverick!! Beautiful venue, packed house, and a wonderful performance. If the tickets were more reasonably priced, this would have been a 5 star experience. It was also sad this was one night only. I would have enjoyed attending a second time. I don't know how long it takes a symphony to prepare, but it seems like a lot for a one night performance. read more

San Francisco Symphony - Top Gun Maverick @ SF Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Been here twice in the past month and both times have been phenomenal. I saw Ellie Goulding play her songs with the symphony and then just last week saw Home Alone. I never really thought about coming here but it is a wonderful experience that everyone should come enjoy if you're living or visiting SF. The seats are rather comfortable and the facilities (ex: bathrooms) are a little older but really well maintained. They even decorated the main area for Christmas which was so cute. Highly recommend! read more

Nothing wrong with the venue. It's the audience. Parents, unless your 5 yr old is a child prodigy like Evgeny Kissin, consider leaving your child at home or leaving with your kid especially if he's crying during intermission saying he wants to go home. Kissin wasn't performing Cage's 4'33." Your child's foot stomping/page turning is not part of the performance. As for the elderly couple in front of me where the husband insisted on kissing the wife's hand all night, it's great that you're in love but I shouldn't have to hear your lip smacking all night. And what is up with allowing alcohol in plastic cups into the performance? Are we at a musical now? read more

JESUS F****G CHRIST !!!! One glass of wine, one beer, and a bag of potato chips was $45.19 at their pathetic little "bar." (And, of course, my generous, kindhearted friend also felt compelled to give them a $10 tip.) OK, this is not a commentary on the music, which was beautiful. But I definitely feel a need to point out the ways in which the symphony is screwing the people who attend it's events through the concession. I wish I could come up with a musical metaphor. "The Nutcracker" comes to mind (definitely busting our balls), but that doesn't really fit neatly. Maybe some others will have a better suggestion? read more

Have attended two concerts, my most recent was a "Superheroes" themed concert under the "Music for Families" series. The symphony gave a great performance, I particularly enjoyed the brass section play Fanfare for the Common Man and the whole group playing Princess Leia's theme! For future attendees be aware that the "Music for Families" series is very different than normal concerts. It's shorter at about an hour long with no intermission, the conductor gave brief summaries of the pieces, and (at my surprise LOL) there's a ton of kids in attendance! There's a constant buzz of people wiggling/talking in their seats and kids screaming in the background (was kinda funny during soft portions haha). Some visual distractions are present too like parents on their phones (yikes) or kids mimicking the conductor (wholesome). So if you come for an appreciation for the performance it's not great... but that being said I thought this serves as a great introduction to classical music/the symphony for all ages (including adults)! I learned some things about the composers/pieces they played too! read more

San Francisco Symphony - First Tier seating - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

This venue was built in 1980 and stands proud in the heart of San Francisco with its structural beauty. The inside architecture is a good representation of the 1980s era when mirrors were used frequently - next time you visit the symphony just see how many mirrors are everywhere! Each year the musical program is spectacular, as it ranges from classical, modern, pop, to movie nights with a live orchestra. Check out Goldstar for occasional discounted tickets if you find the pricing steep. I wish classical music would be more affordable so more young people would check out and keep this dying art form going. read more

San Francisco Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

The arts and music in particular speak deeply to my soul. I love any chance to go to SF Symphony and am always in awe and moved to my core by the shear talent that is always on display here. I highly recommend that if you're hesitant that you might not be into Orchestra music, see one of the movies with live score (it's how I get my partner there with me). I've been plenty of times by myself and felt perfectly comfortable doing so each time. Sf Symphony is a gorgeous venue with great views no matter the seat. They've been very safe throughout the pandemic and do require vaccination to get in. At this time masks are recommended but not required. There is a bar to enjoy a drink before the show or during intermission and are now allowing you to take drinks into the symphony hall again. Fun fact: the architecture of Davies Symphony hall is in the shape of a baby grand piano if you have a birds eye view. The windows are the piano keys. Take a notice next time you're nearby. Pretty fascinating. read more

San Francisco Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Last night had the pleasure of seeing Justin Hurwitz conduct the SF Symphony. The best modern composer/conductor of our time. He left me licking my fingers, Bravo! read more

I love going to the SF Symphony, since programming is a good mix of contemporary and classic pieces. Every performance I have attended is high quality, and the caliber of the orchestra is top notch. This next piece is not about the Symphony per-say, and more a comment on the audience. I must say, the audience etiquette was shocking -- some of the disruptions that occurred would NOT fly in a place like Carnegie Hall in New York, or Symphony Hall in Boston. Flash photography, cell phones going off, excessive chatter, all a major no - because they can be very distracting for the performers. read more

Superb. Sublime. Amazing. The world-class SF Symphony is truly a shining jewel in San Francisco's crown. Terrific, inventive repertoire. A concert might include a classical favorite, combined with newer or less-heard pieces (including frequent premiers and really outstanding work from younger composers such as Mason Bates), so you can get your Beethoven or Mozart or Haydn fix and still hear something you would not have been exposed to ordinarily and have a wonderful experience overall. My worst night at the symphony was merely excellent, while the best nights are mind-blowingly great. The symphony's new music director/principal conductor Esa Pekka Salonen is every bit as worthy a successor to Michael Tilson Thomas as Mr. Thomas was to Herbert Blomstedt before him (who's still conducting at 94, by the way, and killing it). One of the things that makes the symphony so great is the quality of not only our current and past music directors and the repertoire, but also the top conductors and soloists from around the world who play here regularly, knowing that SFS is as good as any orchestra anywhere and that they'll get an appreciative audience. Kudos also to the wonderful staff. Everyone, from the folks at the door to the ushers and the house manager, are unfailingly pleasant, friendly, and helpful. Plus, the operation is thoroughly professional, e.g., they don't allow late seating; if you're late, you have to wait. Plan ahead! My only gripes are with audience members who ... 1) dress as though they were on their way to slop the hogs and somehow went insane en route and mistook Davies Symphony Hall for the Grand Ol' Opry and decided to stop by. Would it kill you to wear a reasonable, button-down shirt? I saw a woman wearing -- God help us -- Crocks at the symphony recently. If I were in charge of making the laws, this would be a jailable offense ... or 2) simply cannot wait one minute longer to check their texts. If this is you, why do you go to the symphony? Did your girlfriend make you go even though she knows you hate classical music? Grow a pair, and tell her you'd rather stay home and text until your head explodes. Or go to a support group and work on your addiction; clearly you have a problem. That unpleasantness aside, the venue itself is beautiful, modern, and elegant, and the other patrons are pleasant and friendly. The snacks and drink service people are fast and efficient during intermission, and it's fun to stroll through the lobby or hang out by the front windows. I always enjoy evenings out at Davies Symphony Hall. It feels good just being there. Bravo, SF Symphony! read more

San Francisco Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Attending a performance by the San Francisco Symphony is simply an out of body experience. I never thought that I would enjoy live classical music, but the San Francisco Symphony changed all of that for me. To be fair, I don't attend symphony performances very often, and I've only seen a few different symphonies perform during my lifetime. However, the SF Symphony is my all time favorite. They are always polished, always elegant, effortless, and extremely talented. I love watching the conductors because they conduct with such passion. My favorite time to attend an SF Symphony performance is during the holidays. Something about hearing live holiday carols is so nostalgic for me. It brings me back to the days of my adolescence. I've attended about a handful of live SF Symphony performances, and each one has been enjoyable. One of my favorite performances was from a few years ago when they performed the music to "It's a Wonderful Life". It was amazing to watch the movie and to have them perform the background music live. It was so effortless, so incredible. It sounded just like the movie! They are so pristine in their craft, and perhaps this is why they are one of the highest ranking symphonies in the world! I'm always delighted and so grateful to have the opportunity to watch them live. If you've never experienced the magic that is the San Francisco Symphony, you should add a visit to your bucket list. read more

San Francisco Symphony - SF symphony's House of Soul concert 2017 - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Just called today to ask about tickets for the Studio Ghibli concert. $200! The person we spoke to rather triumphantly explained to us that it's "demand pricing." In other words they jack up the price to meet the demand. So here we are in the city with the most billionaires of any city in the US outside of New York, with the most homeless people living in the streets of any city in the US outside of New York, and the San Francisco Symphony is instituting demand pricing. Well I really think they're missing the boat -- given San Francisco's billionaire population, they could easily be charging $2,000 per ticket. Are we supposed to feel grateful? read more

My parents have been going to the symphony for over a decade and love it. Great music, wonderful people a must attend if you get the chance! read more

Huge negative. Came to concert tonight and they have no programs. Instead a tacky sheet of paper because the programs are "delayed in transit." They have aQR coffee on the paper to get info but the info it provides doesn't include Symphony members. The information it provides isn't relevant. We can understand problems in transit, but someone needs to do a better job giving paying customers a better understanding of what to expect. Thank God for Yuja Wang. She is now the only reason I'm glad we came. read more

Went to the SF Symphony for Holiday Gaiety and it was so much fun! Such a beautiful venue, and such talented musicians. If you've ever been intimidated by the fanciness of the Symphony, this is a great event to go to - funny, sweet, irreverent, and inclusive! read more

We are lucky to have access to the music, culture, and arts that we do in SF. The symphony is incredible and I love that they experiment with different formats. I have watched movies here where the background score is the live symphony which was amazing. I was here again last night and saw the 92 year old conductor Herbert Blomstedt do his magic. Amazing, brilliant...food for the soul. read more

San Francisco Symphony - The computer adjusted acoustic panels - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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