San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, courtesy.
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, courtesy.
The San Francisco Symphony will open its 115th season this fall with a sweeping lineup that blends world premieres, major guest artists and a strong focus on Bay Area collaboration.
Running Sept. 8 through June 27, 2027, the season brings 26 guest conductors, new commissions and cross-disciplinary performances spanning dance, film and visual art.
The season begins with an opening gala on Sept. 24 featuring violinist Hilary Hahn and conductor Giancarlo Guerrero, followed by the Symphony’s annual All San Francisco Concert the next night.
Programming throughout the year centers on themes of imagination, storytelling and the natural world, while also highlighting the creative voices of the Bay Area.
“San Francisco is a city defined by imagination, curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas,” CEO Matthew Spivey said in a statement. “This season is a musical portrait of San Francisco — bold, curious and constantly evolving.”
A major throughline is the appointment of Berkeley-born composer Gabriella Smith as creative partner. Her work — often rooted in environmental themes — will be featured across multiple programs, including a new violin concerto and additional collaborations tied to conservation and ecology.
The symphony will also present several world premieres and commissions, including a new work by Emerging Black Composers Project winner Kyle Rivera and a concerto for harp and percussion by Rene Orth. West Coast premieres include Joe Hisaishi’s Concerto for Orchestra and new work from John Adams, whose music will be featured throughout the season in celebration of his 80th birthday.
Returning figures play a prominent role. Former music director Esa-Pekka Salonen returns to lead both Berlioz’s “Symphonie fantastique” and the “Orth” world premiere, while conductor laureate Herbert Blomstedt will be honored with a January program marking his 100th year.
Cross-disciplinary collaborations are a major highlight of the season. Alonzo King LINES Ballet joins the symphony for world premiere works set to Debussy and Copland, while director Janni Younge brings a staged production of Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” featuring large-scale puppetry and dance. Visual artist Deborah O’Grady will pair photography and video with Adams’ “The Dharma at Big Sur.”
The Symphony also continues to expand its reach beyond classical programming. One-night performances will include appearances by jazz vocalist Samara Joy, folk artist Gregory Alan Isakov and Oakland’s Fantastic Negrito.
Film-with-live-orchestra events return with screenings including “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” “La La Land,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Up,” while pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi will headline a special concert presented with Another Planet Entertainment.
Elsewhere in the season, the Symphony Chorus will perform major choral works including Handel’s “Messiah” and Haydn’s “The Creation,” while guest artists in the Great Performers Series include Emanuel Ax, Yuja Wang and Itzhak Perlman.
Subscriptions for the 2026–27 season are on sale now, with single tickets available beginning July 18.
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