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San Francisco Symphony
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Performing Arts, Music Venues [Edit]
201 Van Ness AveSan Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhoods: Civic Center/Tenderloin, Hayes Valley
(415) 864-6000
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
146 reviews for San Francisco Symphony
146 reviews in English
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Review from Eric F.
STANFORD, CA
1/16/2012
This is one of the best symphonies that I have been to (maybe even the best).
The hall is beautiful and the sound carries wonderfully, so it doesn't matter where you sit.
World class artists come here often. The music line-up is perfect and the SF symphony does a great job.
There are often great deals if you get on the email list, especially when famous artists come around. I once got a front row seat for $10. -
Review from Elizabeth G.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Maybe I'm just a hopeless orchestra nerd and a sucker for classical music but for goodness sake, if you live in SF... PLEASE GO TO THE SF SYMPHONY! Or, if you're not a local, any city symphony for that matter! As someone who grew up with a mother that ran a community orchestra, I know that even the most prestigious symphony orchestras are struggling for money and it really is something that we take for granted. Even if you get last minute tickets in the last row, I promise it will be a fun experience and you'll be supporting a great organization and community benefit. Okay...enough of my rant.
The SFSO is extraordinary. I've seen several major city symphonies and really feel that the SF Symphony does a great job of having a diverse program throughout the year and accessible events for all ages and demographics. You can get rush tickets for about $10-$20 the day of the event and often can go on their website to see deals or specials to get decent tickets for that range as well (which is nearly the same price as a movie these days). The space itself is really unique and fantastic acoustically. It's definitely a fun place to come a little early and grab a drink at the symphony bar and walk around the many winding levels of the hall. Interestingly enough, the attire is super varied! I have gone to shows in a little black dress or jeans and both times felt perfectly comfortable and appropriate. I wouldn't show up in sweats, but it's amazing to see the wide range of attire at each concert I've been to. It's a cinch getting in if you print your tickets out at home and it doesn't look like the line for Will-Call is ever too long so you'd be totally fine showing up about 5min before the show starts if that's your style. Generally it is an older crowd that goes, but you do tend to see young people (like myself) wandering around.
The seating is interesting - there are some seats BEHIND the orchestra if you go on a night where there is no chorus. I've always wanted to get seats back there because it would be a great place to sit and watch the musicians, conductor and the audience at once.
They also offer you the option of ordering a drink for intermission before the show starts so you can just walk out and grab a quick drink before the show resumes - might be a nice move to pull on a date if you're feeling fancy...
I also love the fact that the hall is centrally located. You can walk to a number of bars or restaurants in this area before and after the show. Smuggler's Cove is just a couple blocks away, Hayes Valley a couple blocks away (we ate at Flipper's and grabbed a drink at Absinthe before the show once)... makes for a really fun Thursday/Friday/Saturday evening if you want to infuse your life with some culture and live classical music.
Definitely buy your tickets from the SFSO website so you can open an account - they really don't spam your inbox too much and you get some GREAT coupons on upcoming shows (I recently bought prime tickets for 60% off because of a patron email). I think it also is a confidence boost for the SFSO to show that people are buying tickets. -
Review from Ruth C.
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Why haven't I come to see this symphony before this year??
Growing up, I taught myself how to play violin from 4th grade (don't recommend it, super difficult! however, lessons are expensive so all the power to you if you want to learn!) and played through high school. I love coming to the symphony for the nostalgia of my own experience and to appreciate others doing this as a career.
I've seen the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Minnesota Orchestra, Peninsula Symphony, and many high school orchestras.
While each orchestra/symphony is different... playing at different halls, I have to say a few things stand out about the SF Symphony.
MTT is such a fluid conductor! He has this natural rhythm and you can tell he FEELS the music. I've seen him conduct with Gil Shaham playing Brahms and Yo-Yo Ma.
The balance of the number of members to instruments is very pleasant. There are just enough cellos and basses, just enough wind, just enough percussion. Everyone in the group is super talented and the solos are commendable performances every time. These players work hard to play well.
Davies Hall is an excellent venue! You can get some cheap tickets up in the nosebleeds for $35, the view is great and well worth the price!
There are so many shows in a year! With famous players! I can't wait to see Hilary Hahn come play Prokofiev in this coming Spring.
You could easily BART to the Symphony. Very convenient.
Lovely experience every concert. If you've never made it out here, please support this wonderful group. You won't regret it! -
Review from lynn a.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/13/2012
While the SF Symphony is an excellent symphony, they are extremely expensive and very unfriendly as an organization. I tried to purchase tickets for an event online, only to find that there is no way to actually get the tickets without paying more money. They charge $10 to pick up the tickets at the box office, and even $10 to print the tickets yourself. When I sent a note to suggest this was not industry standards, they were very condescending and had no real justification for the charges. The costs of the tickets are extremely expensive, added to the outrageous costs of actually receiving the tickets make it difficult to enjoy any concert. There are other very find classical/contemporary classical performing arts organizations in the Bay Area (SF Performances, Music @ Menlo, Steinway Society to name a few), that are each much more realistic in their ticket charges and don't add in hidden fees to the transaction. In the end, check them out before the SF Symphony. You'll enjoy the interaction much more!
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Review from Anita W.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've come here countless times. I can count them for ya, but it'll just sound like bragging. But anyway, I always leave here with a grand ole time, smiling from ear to ear, and full of head-tunes.
There was one negative however. I came here for Casablanca and sat in a VIP box (see? bragging). Not sure if it was just the movie but the audio sounded like it was in mono--it was very muffled and hard to understand. This was not the case when they screened Psycho a year earlier where I sat in another box on the opposite end... Then again there wasn't much talking in that movie either. I love this place so much I'm willing to look past this tiny flaw.
Looking forward to the next one! -
Review from Jennifer D.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
When I was in the elementary school, we would always make field trips here. And sadly, I didn't appreciate it but now, I love it! I love how classy it is and how everyone gets dressed up to go here. I went for T'was the night and it was nice but I will need to make another trip here again. There wasn't a orchestra and it was more of a sing along. Anyways, my advice is to go to the balcony on the 3rd level! Take pictures of city hall from above.
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Review from Patricia V.
Mountain View, CA
10/30/2011
Tonight I attended the San Francisco Symphony in Davies Symphony Hall for the first time. If you have never attended a Symphony it should be on your list of 50 things to do before...
Of course since I knew nothing about the Symphony prior to tonight I googled it to find out about dress wear, etiquette, etc.
Tonight's San Francisco Symphony
Alan Gilbert, Conducting
Beethoven, Symphony No. 8 in F major, Opus 93 (1812)
Dutilleux, Violin Concerto, L'Arbre des songes (1985)
Haydn, Symphony No. 99 in E-flat major (1793)
Dutilleux, Violin Concerto, L'Arbre des songes (1985) was absolutely an amazing, auditory, emotional, musical experience for me! Now I know why people love the Symphony.
Violin soloist Renaud Capucon played with such intensity as if his violin screamed what my heart has been trying to cry out for years since my husband passed away in 2004.
Tonight's symphony resonated the feelings that reside in my body.
From the ever so slight ting of the xylophone to the crashing beat of the kettle drums to the growling of the bass cello to the quiet roar of the tuba to the chirps of the flutes to the unison cries of the violins...this piece soothed my soul. It was as if I was seeing all my emotions zipping and zinging across the stage from section to section as Renaud Capucon screamed out with his violin what neither my heart nor my mouth can speak in words.
What a beautiful evening. -
Review from Juliana K.
Lakeside, San Francisco, CA
12/6/2011
Very good! First time seeing them and loved it! Definitely Recommend going
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Review from Bennett W.
San Francisco, CA
10/9/2011
San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall is one of the best places for concert events. The last time I actually came here, I was in elementary school so it is almost 13-16 years ago as I count back the time. My most recent concert was at the Stern Grove Summer Festival when the San Francisco Symphony held a free concert at back in 2007. I came here for entertainment and as an assignment for my music class. I was taking a Music 27A - Musical Appreciation course for the summer @ CCSF. One of the requirements for this course was to go to a concert, get the information about it and write a concert report.
Overall, my experiences at the symphony concerts were very enjoyable! I would certainly come here again on my own or with companion! -
Review from Melissa L.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011
It started with attending a performance every now and then a few years ago. Then they sucked me in and there was no turning back!
Whether you are a classical music enthusiast or a neophyte, all music lovers should find something appealing with the symphony's programs. During the summer they tend to offer programs with pieces that are more popular or more familiar to the general population. This includes playing music from popular movies, Disney soundtracks, pop music (ABBA anyone?), Idina Menzel, Chris Botti and the greatest hits from Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky. During the regular season, the pieces tend to be more complex, less familiar and from different periods. I've really enjoyed performances from Yo Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell as well as visiting symphonies.
MTT has done a wonderful job of making the SF Symphony more accessible and offers something for everyone throughout the year. He has also producted a series of shows on PBS that provide a detailed history and analysis of a particular piece(s) and its composer. There are plenty of visiting conductors and symphonies, while the SF Symphony will offer perfomances at other locations in the Bay Area as well as around the world.
Lectures are offered before some of the performances, free to ticketholders. The conductor may also provide some background information during the performance.
The symphony hall is a beautiful site for showcasing the art of the SF Symphony. Acoustically, I don't know that there is a bad seat in the house. The bars contain snacks and beverages for purchase before and after the performance, as well as during intermission. The seats are pretty comfortable, but don't expect stadium seating. It can get a bit chilly when the AC is blowing, but nothing a sweater or light jacket couldn't fix. Ticket prices are pretty reasonable and are available at all price points.
If you're not sure when to clap, wait for others and follow their lead. If you find yourself getting an evil eye while noisily unwrapping a piece of hard candy, see if that person would like one too! =o) -
Review from Nina Y.
7/30/2011
I really enjoyed the three symphony concerts I've seen.
First I watched the symphony at Golden Gate park and it was lovely. My bestie and I really enjoyed the weather and some music. Wonderful way to enjoy some classical music.
My bestie and I also watched the Disney show together. It was really good. I had a great time singing along with the songs that everyone recognized. Mary Poppins, Little Mermaid, Pocahantas, Aladin, Lion King...it was so good.
The last time I watched the symphony was at the Summer Finale. It was so good. It was hosted by James Lipton and I enjoyed it so much. The music was so good. Jaws? Harry Potter? Star Wars? LOVED IT! We really enjoyed all the music, my bf and I.
-1 star because of the $9 fee you have to pay every time you buy a ticket online. It really sucks.Listed in: Culturally Stimulating
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Review from Finnegan M.
Panama City Beach, FL
7/5/2011
It's really not my fault. Blame it on my European ancestry since I am a German bred (Toy Schnauzer) dog; but you can also blame my human Dad, after all he did not tell me what was the correct behavior protocol for a service dog in a classy place like Davies Symphony Hall.
You see, it has happened once before. And everyone loved it! It was when my Dad and I were at Tootsie's Bar at the Nashville Airport during a flight stop over. We were listening to this guy singing the "Good Ole Boys" theme song from the TV show "Dukes of Hazard" and I will admit it--I kinda got carried away. It just moved me that much. But Tootsies wanted me to come back, they liked it so much!
String instruments just do that to me, you see, us dogs have a much better sense of hearing than you humans--and after all, I am a hearing service dog! We can hear notes that humans only dream of--and guitars really get to me. But this was the first time that I have heard violins, much less Mozart, Dvorak and Tchaikovsky. And well . . . what can I say . . . I thought that I could improve it and everyone would love it, after all there was no one singing. So, I admit it, I got carried away big time and this nine-pound dog howled. Actually, more like bellered, echoing through the whole place. Yep. Right there in Davies Symphony Hall!
At least at Tootsies, when I drew a big crowd, they offered my Dad and me free food and beer as long as we would stay and bring in all those customers who love my singing! But not at Davies! Everyone just glared at us!
Oh well, I did enjoy it as I loved it very much! And yep, count me as a regular. That is, if my human Dad and Mom will take me again after I embarrassed them so much . . . I promise, I won't do it again. Please, please, can we go again next weekend? -
Review from rosie m.
East Bay, CA
3/2/2011
I'm just a poor gal from the streets. Raised without privilege. However, growing up, my dear mom always made sure I was exposed to the arts. We often attended symphony or ballet matinee performances, college theater productions, free days at museums ... the affordable options, of course! I remember dressing up and riding BART into the city, knowing I was going to experience something pretty special.
Today, I still get excited on the way to a performance, and am so fortunate to have enjoyed many San Francisco Symphony concerts over the years. I honestly know nothing about classical music, and don't claim to, but I do appreciate the passion and emotion of the composers, music, musicians and conductors ... and how that transcends time, culture, geography and a wonderfully diverse SF audience ... -
Review from Cynthia G.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2011
Hit the Loge and let the music take you away... Amazing kick off to 2011-12 with Yo-Yo Ma and a stellar Brahms (did you catch YYM in the last cello seat?)
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Review from Laurence W.
Oakland, CA
1/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A nice fat 5 stars for one of the finer American symphony orchestras. I'm still going to poke them in the eye with a 3 star review for their Ticketmaster impersonation, charging you $9 above and beyond the hefty ticket prices to actually receive the tickets. Very classy...
But damn if they don't do some fine Mahler. -
Review from Brian K.
7/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
We saw Casablanca from the nose-bleeds. The symphony played along with the actual movie. It was a one-of-a-kind experience. They were amazing. Seating was comfortable. View was good. Venue itself was magnificent. Parking in a nearby lot was $10. Win!
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Review from Kevin F.
Mill Valley, CA
9/6/2011
Far be it from me to review the SF Symphony. I love every season. But now, as I get older, time gets tighter and I've learned that I need to save $$, so here is my tip to y'all. Get Center Terrace seats....that's all I'm going to say. You'll thank me.
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Review from Art A.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2011
Michael Tilson Thomas is a genius and the SF symphony is equally impressive.
I'm going to go to a few performances this year and try out different seats. Maybe in a couple years I could get season passes to hear this amazing group play more often.
ps- I heard SF Symphony with Joshua Bell, score! -
Review from Kelly H.
7/13/2011 1 photo
Came here with a group and we each bought the $30 seats. Which were perfect, we didn't need to be up close since we were using our ears not our eyes to enjoy this event. The acoustics is amazing! I found it rather funny that once a song would take a short break people would cough or do their personal noises. I only coughed because I felt the need to since everyone else was. Just following the crowd... :)
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Review from Jessica W.
Berkeley, CA
7/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We saw Casa Blanca, accompanied by the symphony a couple of weeks ago. It was amazing!! What a neat way to see this classic movie. I will definitely be back soon to see what else they are doing.
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Review from David H.
San Francisco, CA
5/14/2011 4 Check-ins Here
One of the world's best orchestras and dynamic, engaging programming makes for a great night out!
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Review from Anna P.
Manhattan, NY
9/5/2008 ROTD 2/22/2009
Expect the unexpected.
The gala was wonderful. I got to get all gussied up in a fancy dress and my jewels. I got to drink champagne til I was dizzy. I got to hear Bernstein's West Side Story AND Rachmaninoff's Concerto no. 3. But mainly, I got to see my mom get her groove on to "Superfreak" played by a mo-town cover band.
Come on. It doesn't get any better than Rachmaninoff and Mother Patton gyrating! I heart you SF Symphony. -
Review from Kristina R.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2006
Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd never sounded so good.
I finally got a chance to attend the Warner Bros. Bugs Bunny Cartoon performance last year and it was AWESOME. The Rabbit of Seville? What's Opera, Doc? I mean, come on...who doesn't love Chuck Jones and Carl Stalling? They're geniuses, IMHO.
Ah, those were the creative days...when anvils smushing coyotes and shotguns putting holes through Daffy Duck were considered comedy gold...now, the kids are pc'd to death and given no opportunities to see the great cartoons of yesteryear because they are deemed too violent by some unknown cartoon Gestapo. Hey, I watched these cartoons religiously for my entire youth, and I haven't gone on a killing spree with a uzi...yet...
I weep for the future, which is doomed to be full of boring, uninspired YuGiOh and Ninja Turtles. Bleah.
For those of you who were born after 1990 or have been living in Ted Kaczynski's cabin in Montana for your entire life, What's Opera, Doc is a cartoon that parodies the dramatic flair of the opera...more specifically, Wagner's operas. Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Bryan (also geniuses) do all the singing, and fabulously, I might add...
Elmer Fudd sings "kill the wabbit" to the Ride of the Valkyries. That's so bitchin' cool. And of course, Bugs looks HOT in drag as Brunhilde.
"Oh Bwoonhiwwwlde, youwre so wooov-weee...!"
"Yes, I knooow it, I can't heeelp it..."
And then Return My Love builds in anticipation...the SF Symphony rocked the house on this one. And then Elmer goes ape-sh%#t and flies into a berserker rampage...Kill the Wabbit nearly drove me to tears (of laughter.)
I love that the Symphony has this concert every year or so, just for the kiddies, and for the young at heart (like moi.) It's refreshing to sit in a theater, listen to gorgeous music, and watch cartoons on an enormous screen all at once. Coool!
For months (and I do mean MONTHS) after the performance, my hubby and I drove each other into fits of laughter just by singing in a Fudd-y voice, "Oh Bwooonhiwwwdeee!"
A classic. And a must see!Listed in: Quintessential San Francisco
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Review from Bill B.
11/23/2009
I just finished enjoying their performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerti - that's plural of "concerto" - and was impressed. I mean, overall, they were quite good but didn't totally blow me away. But then I heard not 1, not even 2, but _3_ featured performers accurately bust out 32nd-notes. And not even just a few, but an entire long string of them. 1/32 notes! You don't have to be much of a musician to appreciate how tough that is.
While I enjoy dressing up for the symphony (it's one of the few opportunities to wear my tux), in general I'm happy that SFS isn't pretentious - you'll see everything from me in the tux down to folks in clean jeans.
My dad, a lifetime lover of classical music and the instiller of my own love for it, was also quite impressed. The symphony was a great father-son treat for us.
TRIVIA: The Brandenburg Concerti weren't composed as a set, nor did they have much to do with the city of Brandenburg. Bach apparently pulled the 6 concerti into a single arrangement as, essentially, his resume' for a job he wanted in Brandenburg. Sadly, he didn't get it, but the collection holds together so well that they're now known as a set by that name. -
Review from John P.
Oakland, CA
7/20/2009
Dolores Park on a Sunday Afternoon free concert w/ the San Francisco Symphony!!!!!
OK, the selections were very standard, the classics, Swan Lake, Beethoven....I'm sure it's designed for the uninitiated to drive interest. It seemed a little cliche but was performed flawlessly. There was a huge crowd! Not the sort of place you go for the normal, pin drop silent audience participation. Kids, Dogs, wafts of Ganja. What a great (free) way to spend a Sunday afternoon! -
Review from Elena G.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2009
I was invited by Iris M. to come along on a cultural adventure in music, specifically to hear My Classic Vivaldi. I thought it was a great way to spend a Thursday night and hadn't been to the symphony in long while.
Our already-bought tickets were children's tickets so we were going to exchange them for adult ones, but were advised not to by the staff because apparently no one checks, nor cares. Interesting. Our section was behind the orchestra, which sounds odd and bad, but it was surpsingly nice. The seats aren't assigned in this section, so I'd advise arriving early so you don't have to squeeze between people. We found seats just fine even though we were not early.
We were surprisingly close to the orchestra, too! Yes, we were behind them, but the experience was still grand and we even joked about being extras bc we were so close. It was intimate to be in such proximity to the stars.
Another wonderful surprise was the "lineup," as I called it. I thought it would be just Vivaldi (one of my first cassette tapes as a kid btw), but after The Four Seasons (stunning) we heard Mozart and the cherry on top was Tchaikovsky!
Sublime. -
Review from Taylor W.
San Francisco, CA
7/18/2011
My heart keeps this moment;
Driving here at dusk is even more awesome, the lights are all lighted up to City Hall, the Symphony and all the other surrounding building's of that area, so beautiful, a bit magical is how I view it.
As we arrived to , parked quickly - walking up to the Symphony and now passing many crowds, every step of the way is an excitement! People everywhere. As you enter to walk inside through the ticket booth your coming up the stairs and BAM! the music is playing ( A JAZZ BAND ) many are dancing to hip hop rock, the joy in their faces, you could just see their feet become so perked up - As good as music sounds and so is the the art of dancing.
My two sisters went along with me. While they watched the people dance, I decided to grab some drinks - you know lines are always long -
Yes, they serve wine, champagne, beer and coffee about tea i 'm not sure.
If your hungry, only items like chips, cookies and you know i really don't know what else. I never expect food or desire hunger while there, all I want is my glass of wine.
You see, dining happens before you get there
(that's icing on the cake too.)
Okay so I'am on my way back with 2 red wines for me and one white wine is for one of my sisters 'coz the other one had a champagne ealier I sent her in while i waited outside for my other sister to arrive,
( it was a bit cold & breezy) Getting back to the drinks, you know I'm not a alcoholic but I have been working long hard hours with a lot of O T and I thought I'd save me a trip to avoid the long lines. ......... i get back to them and we're just having a jolly old time the concert doesn't start until another 40 min. and about 20 min pass and the sister that had the champagne finishes hers and says "Oh is that extra glass of wine mine?" - of course, I say yes it's for you ......... i really didn't want to part with it but oh well. I decided to get another drink because the lines now died down. Later, two of us wanted to sit down and found a spot coz my one sister brought in some food for her
( we didn't have time to dine before the concert 'coz of our work schedules ) Along comes the sister that had the champagne & my wine she had been watching the dancing AND meets up with us, she saw my wine and asked if i could pour her some into her glass, i did and about 5 min the dinging starts to go off
( this signal allows you to know concert will begin in 5 min. ) We drank what was left, downed it all and headed for our seats.
Oh yes, the Symphony is so beautiful, I love it! Every time I go there I just want to repeat the evening all over again, do you ever feel the same? Well I have to confess I've seen this concert before many times he comes into town AND what a better place for his performance at the SYMPHONY in SAN FRANCISCO ........... it was and you should of guessed it, it was a Chris Botti concert.
I gather by now you know it was sensational, I felt so honored to be there and you just never know who his guest will be, They did the duet and she was amazing, beautiful and sensational the great "Lucia Micarelli" a fine violinist I loved every drop & seconds as they preformed together so enchanting it was ~
So here we are at our seats and so excited as the concert continued getting more intense, ah music it does wonders for the soul, it relaxes you ........... my sisters wanted to know the names of some of the songs
I whispered them out and be the third time I turned to my sister that kept wanting my wine BY GEORGE! SHE HAD FALLEN ASLEEP!!
Gently, I woke her up and she awaken. After another two songs I kept turning to my right to see if she was with it but she kept dosing off.
After a few times she would only awaken to clap
( I guess the clapping part would wake her up ) OKAY, so I learned my lesson NEVER should I have let her mix and rush her drinks especially with wine, wine could knock you out like it did my sister. Afterwards, i let her have her lullbaby - I have to admitted she really played it off after the concert was over and everyone stood up and gave their standing ovation/clapping, she said "Boy that was a great concert" me and my other sister looked at each other and laughed in in our eyes we both must have been thinking "Yea Right"
Okay, if you haven't been to any Symphony, you should, what do you have to lose? i promise you YOU will gain. Just say you will get all dolled up, put on the fancy stuff, all the sparkling jewelry and feel beautiful coz coming here it will set you on high.
Dressing tips: Some dress fancy, fancy casual, they bring out the small hand clutches actually I love seeing all the different attire. Bottom line is get here, you will have a great night and i know you will have wonderful memories, I wish i could join you ~
Parking: it isn't that bad, try to come early, you may walk a few blocks
( you know the blocks in SF are longer) They do have parking on Grove St. from the Symphony you almost have view of the parking attendan -
Review from Gretchen T.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2007
My Evening with Tchaikovsky at the SF Symphony was like a blind date that exceeds all of your expectations (don't know if I've ever had one of those, but I'm imagining!). I didn't know very much about the composer, but was immediately pleasantly surprised when the Polonaise piece started. The green-eyed boy scored amazing orchestra seats where the sound was perfect (though I don't think there is a bad seat in the house).
The most spellbinding performance was the violin concerto from Karen Gomyo (27 now, was the youngest artist ever presented in New York's Young Concert Artists Series). This amazing creature plays a 300 year old violin on permanent loan to her and has clearly been playing since she was in the womb. She had me mesmerized, frozen on the edge of my seat.
I went from titillated to blinking back tears through Symphony No. 5--very dramatic and moody--directed by James Gaffigan, the symphony's new, associate conductor. He did an amazing job throughout with what to me at least seems like challenging material.
A truly special resource and benefit of living in the city, don't miss it.Listed in: Culture shock
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Review from Pete J.
San Francisco, CA
6/14/2007
If you take a girl to the symphony, you'll be dumped within a month. It happened to me & it happened to my best friend. One of our friends used to work at the SF Symphony, & got me free tickets. Thinking this was the PERFECT date, I scooped them up, took her out to dinner at a swanky little French Bistro, & then we went to the symphony. Bad idea.
On second thought, everything's worked out well for me since, so maybe if you're looking to end an unsavory relationship, you might give this a try... -
Review from Keith Y.
San Jose, CA
12/22/2007 1 photo
"Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" Did not think I would ever hear those words uttered inside Davies Symphony Hall but last night we most certainly did as we attended their seasonal Christmas screening of The Wizard Of Oz.
Shamefully I admit I had not been there before but the whole experience was a grand adventure. We had seats about half way up the center orchestra section and the sound was exquisite. Every little nuance of the orchestra could be heard with full rich acoustics. I kid but I swear you probably could have heard a pin drop on stage if the score called for it.
To hear the symphony play every musical note during the show, I came to realize that I really never paid that much attention to all the music that is really there during the whole movie. It was almost non-stop with very little rest for the orchestra and their transitions were all smooth, flawless and under Constantine Kitsopoulos' direction, the conductor's timing was sync perfect.
All in all is was such a great night to once again see Dorothy and the gang trounce along the yellow brick road on full movie screen size and of course to watch it with an audience of all ages react to all the classic lines like, "Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore" and "All witches are old and ugly". There were big laughs for the Munchkin's Lollipop Guild and hearty boos and hisses for the Wicked Witch of the West.
This certainly is a nice way to unwind and relax in the midst of all of the pre-Christmas mumbles and jumbles. Although it was far and beyond your normal symphony hall fare, If they do it again next year, along with egg nog and hot buttered rums, we may definitely have to make it one of our holiday traditions.Listed in: City Lights
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Review from Rommel H.
Burlingame, CA
Updated - 12/19/2008
Attended the SF symphony last night featuring the Canadian brass (whats that all aboot eh ?).
It was definitely a different performance. The members of the brass put on quite the show. The Canucks were humorous, entertaining and kept the interest of the audience by cracking jokes before performing their pieces.
As always, the SF symphony were amazing. I have attended a few performances and have seen the different styles of the various conductors.Listed in: Arts, Entertainment & Culture.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/5/2008
Attended the opening night gala on Wednesday night and I was not disappointed !
We arrived for the… Read more »
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Review from Miriam W.
7/8/2006 1 photo
From July 7-28, the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) will play classics and popular favorites at Davies Symphony Hall. Performances include jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, Broadway star Linda Eder and female a cappella vocal ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock. On July 14th and 15th, the SFS will play the Oscar-winning soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings!
I had a great time seeing "The Composer is Dead" (original text by Lemony Snicket) today. By far the most relaxed and entertaining time I've ever had at the symphony!
I highly recommend the San Francisco Symphony's Summer in the City concert series! Even if you're not the "symphony type" you'll find these concerts both accessible and enjoyable. -
Review from Charlotte B.
Daly City, CA
7/21/2011
GREAT Music. RUDE ushers. Twice now I've had rude usher experiences. Still, it's worth the music.
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Review from Chris T.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2008 1 photo
A must do for locals and visitors. The SF Symphony isn't all about stuffy people with their monacles and stiff lower chins.... no, that's next door at the Opera House.
So I found out the symphony was going to be offering a 2 for 1 show. A movie and live music all on one night! The movie -- The Wizard of Oz. So what they did was they set up a large screen over the orchestra that would play the movie and at key moments, they would play the background music LIVE!
You almost think it's from the movie soundtrack, but you definitely start to hear sharper brass notes and quicker violin strings, especially during that very recognizable Wicked Witch tune. You know, whenever she appears and that upbeat, menacing violin piece goes off. And if Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow doesn't make you silently do finger claps, the accompanying live instrumental will want you to give a standing ovation at the end.
It was a really great experience, because for once I saw The Wizard of Oz in all its entirety and I felt I really, really finally saw it. I definitely paid more attn to the storyline, how the music was so key to this sort of movie magic.
There were families with kids and elderly couples on what looked to be their annual date night... all of us thoroughly enjoyed both "classic" pieces. Some folks dressed up as the characters adding to the atmosphere of the show. The orchestra added new choreographed pieces for their own touches... a loud booming thump of the drums for when Dorothy falls off the fence. So as if they were adding sound effects too!
If you've ever been to Davis Symphony Hall, they have a majestic set of organ pipes above the orchesta. They illuminated them green to mimic the Emerald City... a very nice touch.
Our entire group kept raving how cool this was and how nicely detailed it made the movie. They started right off the bat from the MGM Lion opening sequence to the conclusion of Dorothy's (spoiler!) out of this world dream. I still cant stop thinking of the grandeur.... -
Review from Beth V.
Oakland, CA
10/1/2006
Chant with me, "MTT! MTT! MTT!"
He's a San Francisco institution. With that in mind, take advantage of one of the many opportunities available to hear the SF Symphony. There's a free concert in Yerba Buena during lunch time on a Friday. The Symphony accompanies the fireworks each year on Independence Day. Starting at noon on performance nights, you can get rush tickets from the box office for just $20.
I appreciate the distance that the SF Symphony has gone to make the expereince accessible. From the Symphonix program, offering a way for younger symphony goers to meet others with the same interests, to the "Keeping Score" programs on KQED to learn more about the performances, even someone who knows nothing about music can get a lot out of it. The website even offers a special "First Timer's Guide" to prepare-no need to feel anxious. There's frequently a pre-concert talk, although since I never attended, I can't vouch for the quality. Dress up, and go over to let your mind wander. I always sleep well post-performance.
Throw in drinks at Absynthe, and you've got yourself a great date night.Listed in: No drinking, and no movies.
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Review from Jonathan F.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2010
I had the privilege of attending the SF Symphony last night, quite unexpected upon the spontaneous invite of a friend.
I have been to the symphony before but that was a while ago.
Audiences treasure the conductor and music director Michael Tilson Thomas. He is often referred to as MTT. :)
His love for the music and for being part of the symphony is obvious. And the audience returns that dedication with great warmth when he steps on to the stage. The applause can go on and on. Symphony goers love their symphony and it shows.
Of course, some people have reservations about the building design of the hall itself.
some in the audience told me during intermission that the acoustics is not always that good. And for all the money that was spent to build the modern structure, the sound quality should be outstanding all the time.
I think the view overlooking City Hall from the second floor lobby is spectacular; that perhaps is the only stunning thing about the building itself, I think.
The architecture is rather abstract and bland to me. But, at least San Francisco has a symphony hall, right!
Still, I was happy to be there and honored to be invited to go.
I was delighted by the violin concerto of Tchaikovsky performed by soloist Christian Tetzlaff on March 6.
He got three standing ovations from the audience. Yes, three! His rendition of the legendary Russian composer's "concerto in D major for violin and orchestra, Opus 35," was riveting.
It was interesting to watch the violin soloist move and seemingly be emotionally connected to each note as the wave of the concerto reached very high notes in fury of bow movements across the strings of the violin.
The audience was enchanted and so was I.
There were other selections of music played that Saturday night. They were not of Tchaikovsky. Interesting in and of themselves but not a highlight of listening pleasure, at least not for me.
Yet by far, the violin soloist Christian Tetzlaff was the star and won the hearts of the audience. Really he did, despite what music critic Joshua Kosman wrote for the SF Chronicle.
For some reason Kosman was more impressed with the other music presented rather than Tchaikovsky. Whatever the case, it was easy to see the audience really enjoyed the violin solo that night.
It was good to have this experience of "high culture." Getting dressed up and enjoying a live performance is a treat.
But I must say that San Francisco is not accustomed to many high point events, even though it has the facilities for it. At least that is an impression that is made when arriving or departing from the symphony hall vicinity.
The symphony hall, the opera house, Herbst Theater and so forth all give witness to the City's past support in such. But today, the area is run down in many aspects.
Apart from the company of fellow symphony goers and alike, the mood in which the symphony hall and opera house sit, near the Civic Center, is mostly a down turn.
Homeless and meandering characters roam the street and can be a bit unsettling in their behavior.
If you go to the Symphony, Opera or any of the concerts at Herbst Theater be wary of how the mood changes at night time.
I try to stay with the audiences as they depart the hall or opera house.
Yet even with a wary sense of "being on guard" it is obvious that the street culture just outside the symphony hall and opera house do not share the same feelings for cultural events.
The present situation with our economy makes the situation more stark. So if you go to the symphony or opera keep with the flow of fellow concert attendees and if you take your car, remember where you parked it.
Taking a taxi is a good idea. Yet hailing one is better than calling for one on a Friday or Saturday night. That is the busy time of the week for taxi services.
Police do patrol but it is not easy keeping an eye on everyone and everything that goes on at the Civic Center area. Public transit is convenient with the MUNI buses along Van Ness and the trolley car station underground on Market at Van Ness Ave.
To learn more about the SF Symphony and all its events and concerts visit the web site at: http://www.sfsymphony.org/ -
Review from Manabu M.
10/26/2009 1 photo
SF Symphony makes me think that I am so lucky to live in San Francisco! I have attended many concerts there but I have never been disappointed. Needless to say, M.T.T. is always wonderful but James Gaffigan is very energetic and passionate.
By the way, if you are attending a concert, you must know you don't applaud at the end of the first or second movement of a symphony or a concerto. You do just once when they finish the entire symphony or concerto. So if you are taking your lover to the symphony and if she/he is the first timer, at the end of a movement, just grab her/his hand gently so that she/he will not be able to applaud at the wrong moment. . You can avoid the embarrassment and she/he can feel your love at the same time! Relax and enjoy their wonderful performances! -
Review from li l.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2011
i'm a practicing atheist, so i try to visit the temple of Davies Symphony Hall at least every other week.
i'm a devoted believer in
the meditative breezes of Ravel,
the compassionate gestures of Chopin,
the divine movements of Bach.
Especially Bach.
the wonderful symphony artists and the guest artists never failed to provide a unique, sensational experience. i recommend the sf symphony concerts in all my heart.
however, the symphony concerts are expensive, so look for the offers on Goldstar or for the special deals they have on the symphony website. -
Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
11/11/2007
If I were God, I'd write the scripture out of music. Wordless music.
I came here for Dvorak's 9th Symphony, known as the "New World" because he wrote it in America and was supposedly inspired by Native American and African-American music. It certainly reminds me of the American West--if the National Park Service has a promo video, this ought to be the soundtrack. The 2nd movement may be the most famous, but I still say the fanfare-ish horn theme near the very beginning of the 1st movement is the best part--it sends chills down my spine every time.
I was surprised to read that Davies Hall was only built in 1980; it came out pretty decently, considering. The sweeping quartercircle of the northeast wall sort of dictates the design inside, and gives it a touch of mid-century, Marilyn Monroe-style charm. Don't miss the neat outdoor balconies at either end of the top floor.
The auditorium is more interesting than the typical theater, thanks in part to the stage being pushed out, as well as funny touches like the lego-bump balconies and lunar ceiling mounds (you'll understand when you see it). The lighting is neat too, sort of a radiant beige that takes advantage of the fact that they don't have to turn the lights all the way off.
One complaint--the wine is insanely overpriced, even by theater standards: $10 for a plastic glass of pretty generic stuff. So bring a flask.Listed in: Civic Center, Tenderloin & Van…
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Review from Corey C.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2006 2 Check-ins Here
Why yes, I _am_ down with MTT!
You'll be hard pressed to find a better combination of excellent musicians, music selection, and concert hall. Basically, this is where you want to go if you want to hear perfection.
A couple of tips:
The seating that is behind the orchestra is a great deal, and can be even more fun than the normal audience seating because you get to see the front of the conductor as he conducts.
Also, you can get the cheapo seats and, right as the lights dim to start the performance, sprint to some better seats that aren't taken. Or, scout out the hall during the first half to find a better seat during the second half. But beware the ushers ;)
