Since its beginning in 1911, the San Francisco Symphony has been known for innovative programs that offer a spectrum of traditional repertory and new music. Today, the Orchestra’s artistic vitality, recordings, and groundbreaking multimedia educational projects carry its impact throughout American musical life.

“At a time when America’s major orchestras are struggling to define their missions and maintain audiences, the San Francisco Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas is an exception.”

— The New York Times

The San Francisco Symphony has grown in stature and acclaim under such distinguished music directors as Henry Hadley, Alfred Hertz, the legendary Pierre Monteux, Josef Krips, Seiji Ozawa, Edo de Waart and Herbert Blomstedt.

Current Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas assumed the post in 1995. Together, he and the San Francisco Symphony have formed a musical partnership hailed as “one of the most inspiring and adventurous in the country.” Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) celebrated his 20th season as Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony during the Orchestra’s 2014-15 season. MTT is currently the longest-tenured music director at any major American orchestra, and has surpassed Pierre Monteux as the longest-tenured San Francisco Symphony Music Director.

Tilson Thomas and the Orchestra have also been praised by the critics for their musicianship, for their innovative programming, for bringing the works of American composers to the fore, and for bringing new audiences into Davies Symphony Hall.

  Apr 29:       
                    Ludwig van BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 6 in F major, Opus 68, Pastoral
                    Esa-Pekka SALONEN: Cello Concerto*
                    Claude DEBUSSY: La Mer

  May 6:       
                    Thomas ADÈS: Three-Piece Suite from Powder Her Face
                    Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Opus 23*
                    Edward ELGAR: Enigma Variations, Opus 36

  May 13:     
                    Dai FUJIKURA: Entwine
                    Maurice RAVEL: Piano Concerto in G minor*
                    Gabriel FAURÉ: Requiem, Opus 48**

  May 20:     
                    Franz SCHUBERT: Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, D.485
                    Johannes BRAHMS: Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Opus 68

  May 27:     
                    Claude DEBUSSY: Gigues from Images pour orchestra; Rondes de printemps from Images pour orchestra; : Ibéria from Images pour orchestre
                    Maurice RAVEL: Piano Concerto in D major for the Left Hand*
                    Einojuhani RAUTAVAARA: Piano Concerto No. 1, Opus 45*

  Jun 3:       
                    Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY: Selections from Swan Lake, Opus 20; Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Opus 74, Pathétique