2009-10 Season Highlights
Welcome to the San Francisco Symphony's
98th Season!
The San Francisco Symphony and Michael Tilson Thomas celebrate 15 seasons of extraordinary music-making. We invite you to hear distinguished visiting artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, George Benjamin, and Emanuel Ax. This season the Symphony also brings some of the world's greatest orchestras to you, including the Berlin Philharmonic led by Sir Simon Rattle, the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Gustavo Dudamel, and the Gewandhaus Orchestra with Riccardo Chailly.
Whether you're interested in Music for Families, the SFS Youth Orchestra, Organ concerts, South Bay concerts, Holiday concerts, or our Friday 6.5 Series—the San Francisco Symphony has something for everyone this season! See below for 2009-10 season highlights.
Berlin Philharmonic in San Francisco
On any short list of the world’s greatest orchestras, the Berlin Philharmonic is at the top. Don’t miss the orchestra’s second visit to San Francisco in fifty years. Experience the orchestra’s overwhelming power and transparent delicacy. Don't miss a rare visit by this orchestra to San Francisco.
Bach Celebration
Get ready for the holidays with a celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach! In November, Concertmaster Alexander Barantschik leads the Orchestra in Brandenburg Concertos, and Chorus Director Ragnar Bohlin conducts the Christmas Oratorio, a choral masterpiece that rivals Handel’s Messiah in majesty.
Project San Francisco
Project San Francisco is a residency of acclaimed artists and composers featuring performances and educational and community events. Part of the Symphony’s Centennial Initiatives, Project San Francisco provides artists the opportunity to explore their vision, create new works, and collaborate with the San Francisco Symphony for several weeks each season.
George Benjamin: Project San Francisco
Internationally acclaimed British composer George Benjamin began his relationship with the San Francisco Symphony in 1992 when he directed the San Francisco Symphony’s Wet Ink new music festival. Now he returns to San Francisco for a two-week composer residency, bringing us music that bears his trademarks: sharply honed textures, ravishing color, and passion.
Yo-Yo Ma: Project San Francisco
One of the most accomplished artists of our day, Yo-Yo Ma is featured in a residency that includes a recital with pianist Emanuel Ax and a chamber music concert with members of the San Francisco Symphony. With Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony, Ma is soloist in Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 2 and joined by talented violinist Colin Jacobsen for the Brahms Concerto for Violin and Cello.
Spotlight: Emanuel Ax
Pianist Emanuel Ax is a keeper of the great tradition and an innovator whose artistry and insights inspire composers to create works for him that engage the audience and challenge his mastery. During the 2009-10 season, he returns for three recitals, each including a work co-commissioned for him by the San Francisco Symphony: with Yo-Yo Ma, he presents the world premiere of music by Peter Lieberson; soprano Dawn Upshaw joins him in music by Osvaldo Golijov; Ax is also soloist in a new work by John Adams.
Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France
One of Ravel’s most extravagant orchestral compositions, the Suites from the ballet Daphnis et Chloé are a feast for the ears. Thrill to Ravel’s foray into exoticism with Shéhérazade, featuring mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter, whose voice turns music and words into poetry.
Chaplin's The Gold Rush On-Screen with the San Francisco Symphony
Most people know Charlie Chaplin as a comic genius. Few realize he wrote the music for his films. The Gold Rush is the movie for which Chaplin said he would most like to be remembered. In scene after scene—including one in which the Little Hobo transforms a shoe into a feast fit for a king—this 1925 silent film classic virtually defines visual comedy. The San Francisco Symphony plays Chaplin’s original score to accompany a rare screening of The Gold Rush above Davies Symphony Hall’s stage.
Organ Concerts at Davies Symphony Hall
Join three internationally celebrated organists as they demonstrate the versatility of the San Francisco Symphony's magnificent 8,264 Ruffatti organ, the largest concert-hall organ in North America.
If you'd like to attend all three concerts below or for more information on our NEW 3-concert Sunday Organ Series, click here to browse subscriptions.
Los Angeles Philharmonic in San Francisco
Hear Gustavo Dudamel conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic featuring music by Mahler, John Adams, Bernstein, and Tchaikovsky.
Browse our Season Calendar for more thrilling performances today!