SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY KICKS OFF OPENING WEEK FESTIVITIES WITH OPENING NIGHT GALA ON SEPTEMBER 4, CELEBRATING MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS’ 25TH AND FINAL SEASON AS MUSIC DIRECTOR

Proceeds from the Opening Night Gala benefit the San Francisco Symphony’s myriad artistic, education, and community programs

Concert is preceded by a complimentary sparkling wine reception in Davies Symphony Hall and concludes with an indoor-outdoor After-Party, open to all ticketholders

OPENING WEEK CONTINUES WITH ALL SAN FRANCISCO CONCERT ON SEPTEMBER 5 AND TWO PERFORMANCES WITH METALLICA OPENING SAN FRANCISCO’S NEW CHASE CENTER, SEPTEMBER 6 and 8

SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Symphony (SFS) and Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) kick off their 25th season together with the Opening Night Gala on Wednesday, September 4. The Opening Night Gala honors Michael Tilson Thomas, celebrating the launch of his final season as Music Director of the SFS, and his husband Joshua Robison. The concert program includes Glinka’s Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila, Britten’s Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Purcell, and the majestic Finale from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9: Ode, “To Joy” with soprano Susanna Phillips, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano, tenor Jonathan Tetelman, bass-baritone Ryan McKinny, and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus under the direction of Ragnar Bohlin. Ryan McKinny joins the SF Symphony and Chorus in performances of Copland’s “The Dodger” and “Golden Willow Tree” from Old American Songs, and the SFS Chorus is featured in Gordon Getty’s Shenandoah. Guests can also expect multimedia elements, including lighting design by Luke Kritzeck, and many surprises throughout the evening. The Gala concert will be broadcast live on Classical KDFC 90.3/89.9/104.9 FM and streamed online at kdfc.com.

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