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If orchestra is your cup of tea, you must visit the San Francisco Symphony House located in the Civic Center neighborhood. Even if you are not very fond this genre of music, you should visit this concert hall and you may change your mind. The energy-packed live performances of symphonies ranging from pops to Mahler will surely sweep you off your feet. Just head on over to this hall and let the music take over you. The power of music is something that everyone has felt and when it comes to live symphonies, the result is just magical.
The hall in itself is a sight to explore and there is also a gift store you must explore. Over 200 concerts are held here every year and to make the spectacle even more exciting, there are talks and podcasts held before the concert. There is also a dining area where you can enjoy a good meal, both before and after the performances. So let the music do the talking and there will definitely be fun-filled evening to look forward to. Let us list 7 reasons why you should watch a performance at the San Francisco Symphony House when you are visiting this magnificent city.
1.Grammy-Award winning performances
No, we are not blowing the orchestra’s trumpets and they have really won eleven Grammy Awards with their magical performances. How can you not feel the power of music after listening to these performances! The musicians of the orchestra and the chorus are all highly-trained and believe that music can transform lives. Some famous composers have also performed here including Leopold Stokowski, Bruno Walter, Sir Georg Solti and Leonard Bernstein. This orchestra also dedicated free symphonies at the Golden Gate Bridge for the victims of the San Francisco earthquake.
The orchestra has also recorded performances from Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, Charles Ives: An American Journey, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, Mahler’s Das klagende Lied, a Gershwin collection and two Copland albums.
2.You can wear anything!
While other concert halls might have strict dressing guidelines where you are required to wear gowns, the San Francisco Symphony House allows you to wear anything. You can wear whatever you feel most comfortable in, whether it be a cocktail dress or jeans. Of course landing up in nightwear or shabby clothes is something that will not be accepted. Just come dressed as if you were going for a nice dinner or evening out with your friends.
3.Have that drink or snack delivered to you
You can have a drink or snack delivered right to your box or seat during the performance. You can do this by pre ordering your sandwiches, sweets, and drinks by calling 415-252-1937 or telling the bartender and restaurant as you enter the hall. Therefore, you won’t need to miss a minute of the magnificent performances and can also do away with those hunger pangs! There is no need to wait for intermissions anymore to grab a meal as you get the best service right up to your seat.
4.Participate in lively talks and podcasts
If you speak the language of music and want to know more about classical symphonies, head on over to the concert hall for talks and podcasts that take place before the performances. Here renowned speakers like Alexandra Amati-Camperi, Peter Grunberg, Laura Stanfield Prichard, Peter Susskind, John R. Palmer and James M. Keller will unravel the mysteries of all the symphonies and decipher its meanings. These music experts will help you understand who wrote what piece and why was it written in a particular manner. You can also ask them about any performances or music pieces you want more clarity on. They will help you understand the actual purpose behind the symphony as well as all the instruments used to create the symphony.
5.Grab that gift now!
This magnificent hall also has a gift store where you can pick up some fun memorabilia like clothing, CDs, DVDs and literature. This way you get to take a part of your magical experiences back home. Just pick up some CDs of your favorite performances and you will have the orchestra right there with you in your home. The resale shopping at this store has helped provide funds for the Symphony and chorus.
6.Enjoy the view
You can head on over to the Second Tier Level of the San Francisco Symphony Hall to get a resplendent view of the city’s skyline. You see the entire city in all its glory with City Hall in the beginning. Just sip on your drink, listen to the music behind you, and take in this exhilarating view. There will be few moments that will give you so much peace and happiness.
7.Fun family events
If you think your kids will get bored with the classical performances, you can take them for other concerts at the hall like the holiday concerts that include Disney in Concert and Peter and the Wolf. There are also community concerts like Día de los Muertos, films that have orchestra music and Chinese New Year concerts that will be a fun treat for the entire family. Go online on the concert hall’s website to see all the concerts, their timings and prices and have a fun-filled magical evening with the entire family.
Information
- Name: San Francisco Symphony House
- Mail id: patronservices@sfsymphony.org
- Price: Most tickets start from just $15
- For all information on the tickets visit http://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/Discount-Tickets.aspx
- Phone: (415) 864-6000
- Website: https://www.sfsymphony.org/
- Seating chart: https://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/Seating-Chart.aspx
- Where do you exchange tickets and mailing address: Patron Services, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102.
- Events list: http://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/Calendar.aspx
- How to get here: You can take a Mini subway directly here or a bus bridge between Embarcadero and St. Francis Circle and then connect with rail service. Visit sfmta.org/subwayupgrades or contact 311 for more information.
- Operating hours: Mon – Fri: 10am–6pm
- Sat: noon-6pm
- Sun: 2 hours prior to concerts
Have a good trip and travel!
