The magnificent Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, and its
resident orchestra, has been a fixture on the San Francisco
cultural map throughout the twentieth century. The establishment
of a permanent symphony orchestra was among the civic duties,
city fathers declared in the wake of the 1906 Earthquake and
Fire. The San Francisco Symphony performed its first concert in
1911.
The Symphony gave the people hope and it continued to inspire
politicians and citizens alike, with performances at the War
Memorial Opera House and Civic Auditorium. Finally in 1980, the
Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall was constructed to provide the
Symphony with its own, permanent home. The acoustics were much
discussed, and in many instances fell short of expectations, so
that in 1992 a major renovation took place that gave the Hall
its proper acoustical brilliance.
The 2,700 seat building is a beautiful place to see a
concert; it is of unique architectural design and offers
stunning views of the Civic Center area from its huge glass
walls. It building also features a gigantic 9,000 pipe organ,
which is truly something to experience.
Today, the San Francisco Symphony is world renown, led by the
inestimable Michael Tilson Thomas, or MTT as you will see noted
around town. In September 1995, Michael
Tilson Thomas became the San Francisco Symphony's eleventh Music
Director. He is one of the world's most prominent conductors,
and is recognized as providing inspired and spirited leadership
to one of the country’s preeminent major orchestras.
The Symphony provides musical performances in many styles
from classical, to opera, jazz, Gershwin, even rock and world
beat. The San Francisco Symphony began
the innovative, "Adventures in Music" educational
program for the city's schoolchildren in 1988. AIM is an
innovative musical education program that introduces children to
music from around the world, through in-school ensemble
performances, musical programs and study guides. Each year, a
specially designed San Francisco Symphony concert for these
schoolchildren is performed in Davies Symphony Hall. This
program reaches approximately 13,000 students annually from both
public and private schools.
The Symphony performs free concerts in the park and in other
venues periodically throughout the year. There is also an
interesting "Open Rehearsal" series which gives guests
an opportunity to hear actual Symphonic rehearsals in an early
morning, intimate, and inexpensive manner. Call the Symphony Box
Office for all scheduling and pricing at: (415) 864-6000.
Public tours of Davies Symphony Hall, along with the Opera
House and Herbst Theater, are offered Mondays between 10:00 and
2:00. It costs $5 for adults. This great little tour begins ON
the hour at Davies Symphony Hall. Call (415) 552-8338.
