Founded in 1911 to help revitalize the city of San Francisco after the famous earthquake, the San Francisco Symphony has grown to international acclaim. Throughout its history, the SFS has presented more than 200 world premieres, commissioned more than 100 new works, and received 12 awards from ASCAP for adventurous programming and a commitment to American music. Today under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, SFS continues to develop new programs to make classical music more accessible.
Thousands of free tickets to SFS events are provided to a variety of groups each season. Ticket Reach distributes more than 2,000 complimentary tickets each year through charities such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Chinatown Youth Center. Keeping Score, launched in 2006, is anchored by a PBS television series, an interactive website, a national radio series, DVDs, and an educational program for grades K–12. Concerts for Kids and Music for Families concerts are specially geared toward children.
Davies After Hours is a fun and free post-concert experience held on three special dates during the season. Part performance and part reception, Davies After Hours features different performers, including SFS musicians showcasing their non-classical pursuits (including SFS violist, Christina King, on electric violin!) and DJ/composer Mason Bates with the SFS’s own Benjamin Schwartz.
San Francisco Symphony (SFS) Information
- Other Venues: Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino
- Public Transportation: Very good for the Davies Symphony Hall (a 5-minute walk from several buses, light rail lines F, J, K, L, M, N, and T, and BART trains at the Civic Center station). Good for the Flint Center (a short walk from VTA buses 25, 54, and 55 at Pepper Tree Lane/Stelling Road)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good for both
- Performances/Programs: 230 per season
- Ticket Prices: From $30 to $135. On the day of select concerts, Rush tickets are $20 each, limit two per person
- Group Discounts: Groups of 10 or more save 10%–20%
- Subscriptions: With the Davies Symphony Hall Classical series, you can choose from more than 20 different classical concerts performed throughout the season at Davies Symphony Hall. Tickets are available by day of the week and time of performance. Other subscriptions include the Great Performers, Flint Center Classical, Katharine Hanrahan Open Rehearsal, Davies Symphony Hall Chamber Music, and Youth Orchestra series. Benefits include discounts on additional ticket purchases and ticket exchanges
- Membership: Dolce Society membership begins at $75. Benefits include a membership card providing a 10% discount at the symphony store, an annual calendar with advance notice of events, and free admission for two to a Friends private rehearsal.
