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.

 
  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

  June 10:    
                    Gabriela ORTIZ: Antrópolis
                    Gabriela MONTERO: Latin Concerto
                    Aaron COPLAND: Fanfare for the Common Man
                    Joan TOWER: Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, No. 1
                    Samuel BARBER: Symphony No. 1, Opus 9

  June 17:    
                    Kaija SAARIAHO: Asteroid 4179: Toutatis
                    Igor STRAVINSKY: Petrushka (1947 version)
                    Ottorino RESPIGHI: Fountains of Rome; Pines of Rome

  June 24:    
                    Magnus LINDBERG: Chorale
                    Alban BERG: Violin Concerto
                    Igor STRAVINSKY: The Firebird

  July 1:       
                    Richard STRAUSS: Don Juan, Opus 20; Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks, Opus 28
                    Jean SIBELIUS: Symphony No. 7 in C major, Opus 105
                    Gabriella SMITH: Rewilding

  July 8:       
                    Gustav MAHLER: Symphony No. 2 in C minor*