San Francisco Symphony Launched 115th Season
The annual Opening Gala took place at Davies Symphony Hall on September 25 with guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Classical
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The San Francisco Symphony officially kicked off its 115th season with a gala event at Davies Symphony Hall. Violinist Hilary Hahn joined guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero for a performance featuring works by John Adams, Felix Mendelssohn, and Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
Why it matters
The gala serves as a major fundraising engine for the symphony, which supports classical music programming and music education across the region. These funds sustain initiatives reaching more than 20,000 Bay Area students annually.
The 115th season launch highlights an annual reach of 20,000 Bay Area students receiving free music education through symphony programs. Proceeds from the gala provide the necessary funding to maintain these educational commitments.
The players
San Francisco Symphony
The city's resident orchestra which provides music education to 20,000 Bay Area students annually.
Hilary Hahn
The featured violinist who performed during the season-opening concert.
Giancarlo Guerrero
The guest conductor who led the program at Davies Symphony Hall.
Elim Chan
The incoming music director scheduled to begin her tenure in 2027.
The details
The evening followed a traditional format featuring a pre-performance reception, dinner catered by McCalls, the concert, and a subsequent afterparty. While the institution currently looks toward the future of its leadership, the next major transition for the orchestra is confirmed for 2027, when Elim Chan begins her tenure as the new music director.
Timeline
September 2026: The San Francisco Symphony held its annual Opening Gala.
2026: Elim Chan is set to begin her tenure as music director.
Across the Bay
This gala serves as one of the final major milestones leading into the transition of the orchestra's leadership. The programming follows a pattern set by previous seasons in the lead-up to the 2027 arrival of Elim Chan as music director.
Residents can expect the season's educational initiatives to continue throughout the school year as funding is secured through the gala. Tickets for upcoming performances are available for those looking to attend concerts at Davies Symphony Hall throughout the 115th season.
The takeaway
The symphony's long-term stability relies on these annual gala events to fund its extensive youth outreach. Keep an eye on the orchestra's performance calendar as they prepare for the leadership transition in 2027.
Further reading
For more on the orchestra's upcoming performances and season programming, visit the San Francisco classical section.
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