Davies Symphony Hall
Much More than Classical Music and Operas!
For some music lovers, nothing compares with the power and ferocity of a symphony is full effect or a coloratura soprano nailing an especially difficult aria. If you attend an event at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, you’re likely to hear plenty of classical compositions and well-loved operas but you’re also likely to find lots of other musical offerings as well. Of course, the prestigious and world-renowned San Francisco Symphony (SFS) performs here, along with superb orchestras from around the country and the world, but a curious musical mind will also find much more to see and hear than traditional offerings from Beethoven and Verdi. Samples of recent events at the Davies Symphony Hall include:
- Video Games Live
Symphony musicians played selected soundtracks from many popular video games, including Super Mario Bros., Halo, Final Fantasy, Assassin’s Creed and many others. Whether you’re a gamer or not, it’s easy to see that these musicians are game to try all sorts of music. - Disney in Concert
The Symphony played familiar songs and themes from beloved Disney films throughout that studio’s estimable offerings, complete with film clips to accompany the music. Mickey and his broomsticks just sound better with a live band backing them up. - The Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration with Warren Haynes
A symphony hall might be an odd place to find Deadheads and improvisational guitar jams unless, of course, you’re in San Francisco! Haynes, a gifted guitarist in his own right, led an evening of Garcia’s most memorable songs and solos, accompanied by the SFS. - Music from the Movies
The Symphony played music from selected film scores, complete with suspenseful crescendos and climactic bursts of musical violence, accompanied by a guest narrator setting the stage, so to speak, for passages from the films. - Free Pre-Concert Talks
Symphonies are actively seeking new ways to make classical and opera music more accessible and the SFS is one of the leaders in these innovative programs. Free pre-concert and rehearsal talks allow audience members to learn about the composer, famous conductors and legendary musicians and gain a better understanding of the music and the people who make it. - Davies After Hours
Several times a year, the second tier of the Hall is transformed into a nightclub, complete with full bars and live bands, becoming one of the coolest clubs in the city. - Workshops for Amateur Musicians of All Ages
Amateur musicians of all ages get a rare chance to participate in workshops led by SFS musicians, conductors, guest musicians and other elite talents. The SFS is also quite active brining music to local schools through several outreach programs, including the SFS Youth Symphony Orchestra. - Much More!
It’s pretty easy to see than there’s always something cool, fun, interesting, challenging and otherwise engaging going on at Davies Symphony Hall. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are planning a visit, a good place to start is by checking out the venue’s calendar at http://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/Calendar.aspx. Getting to Davies Symphony Hall is fairly easy, especially if you don’t drive. While there is ample pay parking nearby, you may wish to avoid the pre- and post-concert traffic by using the BART and MUNI stations close to the venue. For more information about the many musical offerings, programs and special events at Symphony Hall, please visit the official site at http://www.sfsymphony.org.