Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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, reaching tens of thousands of people throughout the Bay Area each year. Gala contributions support programs such as:

• Fisher Family Adventures in Music Program (AIM) is a curriculum designed to support music learning in the classroom for all San Francisco public school students grades 1–5. Students experience in-school performances, receive educational materials and resources, and attend a dedicated SF Symphony concert at Davies Symphony Hall, free of charge. 
• Music and Mentors, an outgrowth of AIM, provides coaching, mentoring, critical supplies, and instrument repairs to instrumental music programs in San Francisco’s public schools, grades 6–12. Students also attend open rehearsals and concerts at Davies Symphony Hall, free of charge.
• The Community Ticket Program provides free tickets to nonprofits, community organizations, and constituents across the Bay Area.
• Music in the Wards is a program where Symphony musicians perform monthly concerts for families, patients, and staff of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, providing a moment of beauty and connection through our universal love of music.   

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 are seated according to giving level with other ticket guests.

What does a concert-only ticket include?
Guests may also purchase concert-only tickets here, which include a concert seat and access to a preconcert reception in the lobbies of Davies Symphony Hall.  

What is the minimum age to attend?
Guests attending elevated Gala sponsorship events—including Preconcert Silver Reception and the postconcert Gala dinner—must be 21 years or older.

The concert welcomes guests of all ages, however those under 21 will have a strict entry time of 6:30pm. 

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. 

Is there an after party?
There is no after party this year, but concert-only tickets include access to a preconcert reception in the lobbies of Davies Symphony Hall. After the Gala concert there will be music with a live DJ and specialty cocktails available for purchase at the Orchestra level bar, open until 9:30pm.

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.

When will I receive my Gala ticket? 
Printed and digital tickets for the Gala will be distributed one week prior to the event.

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. 

Can I use a DAF to pay for my Gala ticket?
The IRS has not yet issued guidance governing contributions from Donor Advised Funds. The sector “best practices” regarding grants from Donor Advised Funds, Private/Family Foundations, and Corporate Foundations have been evolving. Individual donors are not able to accept benefits in return for contributions made from a Donor Advised Fund. Consult with your DAF or tax advisor to determine the tax treatment of contribution and any other restrictions that apply to DAF grants.