The magnificent Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall and its resident orchestra have 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 that 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 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.
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 11th 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. 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.
Public tours of Davies Symphony Hall, along with the Opera House, and Herbst Theater are offered Mondays between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. It costs $5 for adults. This tour begins on the hour at Davies Symphony Hall. Call (415) 552-8338.
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