THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
5:30pm   Preconcert Silver Receptions
7:00pm   Concert
8:30pm   Gala Dinner

Acclaimed violinist Hilary Hahn takes the stage with conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and the San Francisco Symphony for a captivating season-opening celebration. Proceeds directly support the Symphony’s upcoming season of inspiring performances, impactful community engagement programs, and free music education curriculums that touch the lives of more than 20,000 Bay Area students each year.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Gala?
   The San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Gala is the Symphony’s biggest fundraising event gathering supporters for an inspiring concert and dinner in celebration of the new season. The evening raises critical funds to support the Symphony’s community engagement programs, and free music education curriculums that touch the lives of more than 20,000 Bay Area students each year.
2. What do the funds raised by the Opening Gala support?
   Proceeds from the gala directly support the Symphony’s artistic, education, and community outreach programs. Gala contributions support programs such as:
   • Music and Mentors, the Symphony’s hallmark program with SF Unified School District which provides more than 4,500 students with access to quality coaches, mentors, and instruments.
   • Fisher Adventures in Music which brings ensemble performances to grades 1-5 classrooms.
   • The Community Ticket Program provides free tickets to nonprofits, community works and constituents across the Bay Area.
   • Monthly performances for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital patients, families, doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff.
3. What does a gala ticket include?
   Gala table and ticket purchases include access to a preconcert VIP reception, select concert seating (according to giving level), and a delectable postconcert seated dinner in Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. Dinner tables are placed according to giving level, and individual tickets will seated according to giving level with other ticket guests.
4. What does a concert-only ticket include? 
   Guests may purchase concert-only tickets here which includes a concert seat and access to a preconcert reception in the lobbies of Davies Symphony Hall.
5. What is the minimum age to attend? 
   While there is no age restriction for the concert, guests under 21 will be allowed to enter Davies at 6:30 pm once alcohol service concludes. Guests attending elevated Gala sponsorship events – including preconcert Silver reception and the postconcert Gala dinner – must be 21 years or older.
   
   [email protected]. Please note that individual tickets must be purchased at the same giving level in order to be seated together.
6. Could my group of individual gala ticket purchasers request to be seated together?
   Group requests may be submitted to [email protected]. Please note that individual tickets must be purchased at the same giving level in order to be seated together.
7. Could my employer match my contribution to the gala?
   Yes, corporate donation matches are counted as part of your overall contribution. Once you have confirmed the match with your employer, please indicate the details when making your reservation. See if your company matches by searching here.
8. When will I receive my gala ticket?
   Printed and digital tickets for the Gala will be sent up to two weeks prior to the event.
9. Can I make a contribution to the event if I cannot attend? 
   Yes! Donations can be made online here, or via check made payable to the San Francisco Symphony.