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The San Francisco Symphony’s season opener has long been a splashy affair, its party-meets-performance atmosphere heightened by a top-tier musical guest — legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman this year — and guests dressed in gala gowns and sleek formal wear.
The stage action is, of course, the main event. Conducted by music director Michael Tilson Thomas, this year’s Sept. 5 opener at Davies Symphony Hall featured Perlman performing crowd-pleasers, from classical — J.S. Bach — to cinematic, including Hollywood film scores by John Williams and Ennio Morricone. Works by Gershwin and Liszt rounded out the program.
But it’s the glittering offstage action that sets the opening gala apart, from the swanky pre-show dinners at Davies and City Hall to a complimentary wine reception in the iconic concert hall and an after party held in a tented pavilion outside. This year’s after party included live music, cocktails and dancing.
The 2018-19 season continues with a full complement of 220 concerts, including pianist Yuja Wang performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in D major for the Left Hand with the orchestra Sept. 13-16, and a two-week Stravinsky Festival Sept. 21-30. Special events this season include a showcase salute to Thomas, who will step down at the end of the 2019-2020 season, holiday concerts and family-friendly performances.
For those who like toothy carnivores with their classical fare, the symphony’s six-part “Film with Live Orchestra” series offers the spectacle of “Jurassic Park” on the Davies Symphony Hall big screen as the orchestra performs John Williams’ famous score Nov. 1-3 and 6.
Find more information at www.sfsymphony.org.
