michael tilson thomas...8 2019–20 season a historic season the new american sound premieres &...

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2019-20 SEASON

San FranciscoSymphony

2019–20 Season

Join us as we celebrate the 25th and final season of Michael Tilson Thomas’ extraordinary tenure as Music Director of the SF Symphony!

One of the most remarkable and meaningful creative partnerships in the orchestral world, MTT’s artistic vision has sparked radical transformation—for the Orchestra, for San Francisco, and for the American and global soundscape.

Listen and you’ll see a season filled with the unique artistic connections forged during the MTT/SF Symphony era, which continue to shape and illuminate the world of music.

Listen and You’ll See

4A Historic Season

9ConcertSeries

22Special Concerts

25 Season Calendar

41Discover Your Symphony

42How to Subscribe& Pricing

44Make a Gift

44Education & Community

Subscribe today to experience this historic season!

1

Nick PlatoffAssociate Principal Trombone

*Actual savings may vary based on seat location and prices. **Restrictions apply. See promotional insert for details. 32 2019-20 Season

Join the Celebration!

BENEFITS OF SUBSCRIBING

Best Seats, Best Value!• Save more than 30% over full-priced single tickets*• Reserved seats for the subscription concerts• Prices may rise, subscriber prices remain the same

Premium Handling• Free seat upgrades• Easy ticket exchange

Convenient Pre-Paid Parking

Exclusive Subscriber Offers• Early access to special events and concerts • 10% off at the Symphony Store

Enhance your Symphony experience and support the music you love by becoming an SF Symphony Donor. see page 44 for more information.

Be front and center for a landmark season celebrating MTT’s incredible legacy with the SF Symphony. Get ready to explore a season full of cherished

masterworks and the inspiring music that you love.

Subscribe today to experience this historic season!

FREE TICKET OFFER** Subscribe or renew your subscription by Friday, April 12 to get free SF Symphony Orchestral Series concerts:

• 2 FREE concerts when you subscribe to 6 or more concerts

• 3 FREE concerts when you subscribe to 12 or more concerts

• 3 FREE concerts, an additional one-time seat upgrade, and 2 complimentary beverage vouchers when you subscribe to 18 or more concerts

Renewing subscribers, keep the seats you love! All seats will be released after Friday, April 12.

BE A PART OF A SPECTACULAR KICK-OFF! opening night gala in honor of michael tilson thomas & joshua robison

Co-Chairs Rachael Bowman & Nicole Lacob

On September 4, MTT launches his final season as Music Director with a magnificent party, the SF Symphony Opening Night Gala, which combines the very best in music, glamour, and giving.

Don’t miss MTT’s final Gala! As a subscriber, be one of the first to access tickets to the party of the year!

see special concerts on page 22.

4 2019–20 Season 5

A Historic Season

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This season you’ll experience the staggering diversity of music that MTT and the SF Symphony have explored during their groundbreaking 25-year partnership!

MTT & the SF SymphonyMTT’s final season as Music Director is filled with opportunities to witness the breadth, adventure, and collaboration that underpins his remarkable tenure.

SEP 12–15 MTT & Mahler 6

SEP 19–22 MTT & Trifonov: Rachmaninoff & John Adams

SEP 26–28MTT, Stravinsky, and Haydn

JAN 9–12MTT: Love & Lyricism

JAN 16–18MTT & Emanuel Ax: Beethoven & Julia Wolfe

MAR 6 MTT: Mahler 6 & John Adams

MAR 12–14 MTT, Capuçon, Shostakovich, & Stravinsky

MAY 14, 15, 17 MTT, Yuja, Sibelius, & Brahms

MAY 22–24 MTT & Brahms’ A German Requiem

JUN 4–6 MTT & Anne-Sophie Mutter

JUN 11, 13, 15 MTT & Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman

JUN 18, 20, 21 MTT, Shaham, & Shostakovich 5

JUN 25–28 MTT & Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand

MTT &MahlerUnder the baton of MTT, the SF Symphony’s performances and recordings of Mahler have garnered international acclaim for unparalleled excellence. Listen and you’ll see the SF Symphony’s heart, power, eloquence, and inimitable artistry in a season that showcases MTT’s visionary Mahler interpretations.

SEP 12–15 MTT & Mahler 6

JAN 9–12 MTT: Love & Lyricism, featuring Mahler’s Des Knaben Wunderhorn

MAR 6 MTT: Mahler 6 & John Adams

JUN 25–28 MTT & Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand

BEETHOVEN250In 2020, MTT and the SF Symphony join the global celebration of the 250th birthday of music’s most iconic composer, Ludwig van Beethoven. Experience an incredible line-up of artists, concerts, and events that lay bare the composer’s creative genius.

JAN 16–18 MTT & Emanuel Ax: Beethoven & Julia Wolfe

JAN 23–25 Beethoven 7 & Sibelius Violin Concerto

JAN 26 Violin Recital with Anne-Sophie Mutter

JAN 27 Chamber Music with Mutter, Choi, Babesko, & Mueller-Schott

FEB 7–9 Blomstedt, Beethoven 2, & Brahms 4

APR 5 Piano Recital with Yefim Bronfman

APR 30, MAY 1–2 Mirga & Beethoven 5

MAY 24 Piano Recital with Igor Levit

JUN 4–6 MTT & Anne-Sophie Mutter

6 2019–20 Season Subscribe today!

A Historic Season

Emanuel AxJAN 16–18

James GaffiganMAY 7–9

Nicola BenedettiMAY 7–9

Gabriela MonteroMAY 29-31

Gautier CapuçonMAR 12–14

sfsymphony.org/MTT25 7

Gil ShahamJUN 18, 20–21

Yuja WangMAY 14–15, 17

Antonio PappanoNOV 14–16

Daniil TrifonovSEP 19–22

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ce Throughout his remarkable 25 years

with the SF Symphony, MTT has built meaningful relationships with today’s great artists, mentored tomorrow’s superstars, and supported the virtuosity of our own musicians.

This season, three of music’s biggest influencers join MTT and the SF Symphony in special artist residencies that encompass concerts and community and educational events throughout the city.

The World’s Greatest ArtistsTop-tier artists from around the globe join our celebration of MTT and the Orchestra’s triumphant run. Not to be missed is the jaw-dropping virtuosity of our SF Symphony musicians.

Jean-Yves ThibaudetFEB 14–16

Alexander Barantschik NOV 7–9

Jacob NisslyOCT 17–19

Gabriela MonteroMAY 29–31

Julia BullockFEB 20–22, APR 24–25

Sasha CookeFEB 20–22, MAY 31

Anne-Sophie MutterJAN 26, JAN 27, & JUN 4–6

8 2019–20 Season

A Historic Season

The New American SoundPremieres & Commissions

WORLD PREMIERES

SEP 19–22 John Adams’ New Work SFS Co-commission with Carnegie Hall PAGE 26

OCT 17–19 Adam Schoenberg’s Losing Earth SFS Commission PAGE 27

JAN 9–12 MTT’s Rilke Songs PAGE 30

APR 16–18 Mason Bates’ World’s Greatest Synth SFS Co-commission PAGE 35

US & WEST COAST PREMIERES

JAN 16–18 Julia Wolfe’s Fountain of Youth SFS Co-commission PAGE 31

FEB 14–16 Aaron Zigman’s Tango Manos US Premiere PAGE 32

MAR 12–14 MTT’s Lope PAGE 34

FIRST SFS PERFORMANCES

OCT 17–19 L. Boulanger’s D’un matin de Printemps PAGE 27

NOV 7–9 Rebel’s Chaos from Les Élémens PAGE 28

JAN 23–25 Jörg Widmann’s Con brio PAGE 31

FEB 20–22 Stucky’s Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary & Ravel Three Poems of Stéphane Mallarmé PAGE 33

APR 30–MAY 2 Raminta Šerkšnytė’s Fires PAGE 36

MAY 7–9 Wynton Marsalis Violin Concerto & Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst PAGE 37

MTT and the SF Symphony’s 25-year musical journey has brought fresh expression and terrific beauty to the celebrated masterworks of the last century—and introduced us to the masterworks of the next. Listen and you’ll see MTT’s extraordinary insight on the new American sound through an exciting slate of premieres and specially commissioned works by trailblazing and established voices alike.

Julia Wolfe Jessie Montgomery

Wynton Marsalis John Adams

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s SF SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAL SERIESTHURSDAYS 11FRIDAYS 12SATURDAYS 14SUNDAYS 15

GREAT PERFORMERS 17ORGAN 18OPEN REHEARSAL 18CHAMBER MUSIC 19 MUSIC FOR FAMILIES 20YOUTH ORCHESTRA 20FILM 21SPECIAL CONCERTS 22

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Katie KadarauchAssistant Principal

Viola

Choose from our specially curated Concert Series full of cherished masterworks, the world’s premier artists, and the excitement of the new American sound!

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SF Symphony Orchestral Series

Thursday A 6 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 12 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 OCT 24 Prokofiev & Shostakovich’s Leningrad JAN 9 MTT & MAHLER • Love & Lyricism FEB 27 Leila Josefowicz Plays Salonen Violin Concerto MAY 7 Gaffigan Leads Marsalis & Dvořák’s New World JUN 11 MTT & Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman

Thursday B 6 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 26 MTT, Stravinsky, & Haydn NOV 14 Pappano Conducts Music from

Wagner’s Die Walküre JAN 30 Blomstedt, Berwald, & Brahms MAR 12 MTT, Capuçon, Shostakovich, & Stravinsky APR 16 Tchaik 5 & Mason Bates’ World’s Greatest Synth JUN 18 MTT, Shaham, & Shostakovich 5

Thursday C 6 CONCERTS AT 8PM

OCT 17 Pictures & Percussion JAN 16 MTT & Emanuel Ax: Beethoven & Julia Wolfe FEB 20 Salonen: Julia Bullock Sings Ravel & Britten APR 30 BEETHOVEN250 • Mirga & Beethoven 5 MAY 14 MTT, Yuja, Sibelius, & Brahms JUN 25 MTT & MAHLER • Symphony of a Thousand

Thursday Open Rehearsal 8 CONCERTS AT 10AM

OCT 17 Pictures & Percussion OCT 24 Prokofiev & Shostakovich’s Leningrad JAN 16 MTT & Emanuel Ax: Beethoven & Julia Wolfe JAN 30 Blomstedt, Berwald, & Brahms FEB 27 Leila Josefowicz Plays Salonen Violin Concerto APR 30 BEETHOVEN250 • Mirga & Beethoven 5 MAY 7 Gaffigan Leads Marsalis & Dvořák’s New World JUN 18 MTT, Shaham, & Shostakovich 5

The Open Rehearsals are endowed by a bequest from the estate of Katharine Hanrahan.

Open Rehearsals are working rehearsals. The pieces rehearsed are at the conductor’s discretion.

Thursday Z 12 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 12 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 SEP 26 MTT, Stravinsky, & Haydn OCT 24 Prokofiev & Shostakovich’s Leningrad NOV 14 Pappano Conducts Music from

Wagner’s Die Walküre JAN 9 MTT & MAHLER • Love & Lyricism JAN 30 Blomstedt, Berwald, & Brahms FEB 27 Leila Josefowicz Plays Salonen Violin Concerto MAR 12 MTT, Capuçon, Shostakovich, & Stravinsky APR 16 Tchaik 5 & Mason Bates’ World’s Greatest Synth MAY 7 Gaffigan Leads Marsalis & Dvořák’s New World JUN 11 MTT & Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman JUN 18 MTT, Shaham, & Shostakovich 5

Thursday M RHODA GOLDMAN THURSDAY MATINEE 6 CONCERTS AT 2PM

SEP 19 MTT, Trifonov, & Rachmaninoff OCT 3 Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

and Mozart’s Jupiter NOV 7 Koopman Leads 18th-Century Delights JAN 23 BEETHOVEN250 • Beethoven 7 & Sibelius

Violin Concerto APR 23 Szeps-Znaider Plays & Conducts Mozart &

Elgar’s Enigma JUN 4 BEETHOVEN250 • MTT & Anne-Sophie Mutter

The Thursday Matinee concerts are endowed by a gift in memory of Rhoda Goldman.

Thursday Matinee Bus Packages Sit back, relax, and let us bring you to the Symphony! We offer several Bus Packages that make enjoying SF Symphony concerts easier than ever! Our round-trip charter bus service will pick you up at a location close to your home and drop you off at Davies Symphony Hall for the Rhoda Goldman Thursday Matinee concerts.

Bus Package pickup is available in several surrounding communities: Chico/Yuba City, Lodi, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Modesto, Sacramento/Davis, San Carlos, Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley, Santa Rosa, Walnut Creek/Orinda

For Bus Package information, contact Mary Mercurio at 415.503.5488.

ThursdaysRadiant American soprano Julia Bullock joins our season celebration with an artist residency that includes performances of Britten and Ravel (Feb 20–22), the curation of an SFS SoundBox program (Apr 24–25), and more.

Subscribe by April 12 and get FREE SF Symphony Orchestral Series concerts! Purchase subscription package(s) including: • 6 or more concerts and get 2 FREE concerts• 12 or more concerts and get 3 FREE concerts

10 2019–20 Season Subscribe today! sfsymphony.org/MTT25 11

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Friday C 6 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 13 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 OCT 25 Prokofiev & Shostakovich’s Leningrad JAN 10 MTT & MAHLER • Love & Lyricism FEB 28 Leila Josefowicz Plays Salonen Violin Concerto APR 17 Tchaik 5 & Mason Bates’ World’s Greatest Synth MAY 22 MTT & Brahms’ A German Requiem

Friday D 6 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 20 MTT, Trifonov, & Rachmaninoff NOV 8 Koopman Leads 18th-Century Delights JAN 17 MTT & Emanuel Ax: Beethoven & Julia Wolfe FEB 21 Salonen: Julia Bullock Sings Ravel & Britten APR 24 Szeps-Znaider Plays & Conducts Mozart &

Elgar’s Enigma JUN 15 MTT & Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman

(The June 15th concert occurs on a Monday due to artist availability.)

Friday E 6 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 27 MTT, Stravinsky, & Haydn NOV 15 Pappano Conducts Music from Wagner’s

Die Walküre JAN 24 BEETHOVEN250 • Beethoven 7 & Sibelius

Violin Concerto FEB 14 French Masters: Thibaudet &

Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony MAY 1 BEETHOVEN250 • Mirga & Beethoven 5 JUN 26 MTT & MAHLER • Symphony of a Thousand

Friday F 6 CONCERTS AT 8PM

OCT 4 Mendelssohn Violin Concerto and Mozart’s Jupiter

NOV 22 Elegant Vienna: Honeck Conducts Mozart & Bruckner

JAN 31 Blomstedt, Berwald, & Brahms MAR 6 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 & John Adams MAY 8 Gaffigan Leads Marsalis & Dvořák’s New World JUN 5 BEETHOVEN250 • MTT & Anne-Sophie Mutter

Friday G 6 CONCERTS AT 8PM

OCT 18 Pictures & Percussion DEC 13 Handel’s Messiah FEB 7 BEETHOVEN250 • Blomstedt, Beethoven 2,

& Brahms 4 MAR 13 MTT, Capuçon, Shostakovich, & Stravinsky MAY 15 MTT, Yuja, Sibelius, & Brahms MAY 29 Gardner & Montero: Tchaikovsky Piano

Concerto No. 1

Friday A Combo 12 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 13 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 SEP 27 MTT, Stravinsky, & Haydn OCT 25 Prokofiev & Shostakovich’s Leningrad NOV 15 Pappano Conducts Music from

Wagner’s Die Walküre JAN 10 MTT & MAHLER • Love & Lyricism JAN 24 BEETHOVEN250 • Beethoven 7 & Sibelius

Violin Concerto FEB 14 French Masters: Thibaudet & Saint-Saëns’

Organ Symphony FEB 28 Leila Josefowicz Plays Salonen Violin Concerto APR 17 Tchaik 5 & Mason Bates’ World’s Greatest Synth MAY 1 BEETHOVEN250 • Mirga & Beethoven 5 MAY 22 MTT & Brahms’ A German Requiem JUN 26 MTT & MAHLER • Symphony of a Thousand

Friday B Combo 12 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 20 MTT, Trifonov, & Rachmaninoff OCT 4 Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

and Mozart’s Jupiter NOV 8 Koopman Leads 18th-Century Delights NOV 22 Elegant Vienna: Honeck Conducts

Mozart & Bruckner JAN 17 MTT & Emanuel Ax: Beethoven & Julia Wolfe JAN 31 Blomstedt, Berwald, & Brahms FEB 21 Salonen: Julia Bullock Sings Ravel & Britten MAR 6 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 & John Adams APR 24 Szeps-Znaider Plays & Conducts Mozart

& Elgar’s Enigma MAY 8 Gaffigan Leads Marsalis & Dvořák’s New World JUN 5 BEETHOVEN250 • MTT & Anne-Sophie Mutter JUN 15 MTT & Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman


Friday Z Combo 24 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 13 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 SEP 20 MTT, Trifonov, & Rachmaninoff SEP 27 MTT, Stravinsky, & Haydn OCT 4 Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and

Mozart’s Jupiter OCT 25 Prokofiev & Shostakovich’s Leningrad NOV 8 Koopman Leads 18th-Century Delights NOV 15 Pappano Conducts Music from

Wagner’s Die Walküre NOV 22 Elegant Vienna: Honeck Conducts Mozart

& Bruckner JAN 10 MTT & MAHLER • Love & Lyricism JAN 17 MTT & Emanuel Ax: Beethoven & Julia Wolfe JAN 24 BEETHOVEN250 • Beethoven 7 & Sibelius

Violin Concerto JAN 31 Blomstedt, Berwald, & Brahms FEB 14 French Masters: Thibaudet & Saint-Saëns’

Organ Symphony FEB 21 Salonen: Julia Bullock Sings Ravel & Britten FEB 28 Leila Josefowicz Plays Salonen Violin Concerto MAR 6 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 & John Adams APR 17 Tchaik 5 & Mason Bates’ World’s Greatest Synth APR 24 Szeps-Znaider Plays & Conducts Mozart

& Elgar’s Enigma MAY 1 BEETHOVEN250 • Mirga & Beethoven 5 MAY 8 Gaffigan Leads Marsalis & Dvořák’s New World MAY 22 MTT & Brahms’ A German Requiem JUN 5 BEETHOVEN250 • MTT & Anne-Sophie Mutter JUN 15 MTT & Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman


JUN 26 MTT & MAHLER • Symphony of a Thousand

FridaysSubscribe by April 12 and get FREE SF Symphony Orchestral Series concerts! Purchase subscription package(s) including: • 6 or more concerts and get 2 FREE concerts• 12 or more concerts and get 3 FREE concerts • 18 or more concerts and get 3 FREE concerts

+ 2 complimentary beverage vouchers+ An additional one-time seat upgrade Esa-Pekka Salonen

FEB 20–22Karina Canellakis

OCT 24–26Daniil Trifonov

SEP 19–22

12 2019–20 Season 13

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SF Symphony Orchestral SeriesSF Symphony Orchestral Series

SaturdaysSubscribe by April 12 and get FREE SF Symphony Orchestral Series concerts! Purchase subscription package(s) including: • 6 or more concerts and get 2 FREE concerts• 12 or more concerts and get 3 FREE concerts

Saturday A 7 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 14 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 OCT 19 Pictures & Percussion NOV 23 Elegant Vienna: Honeck Conducts

Mozart & Bruckner JAN 25 BEETHOVEN250 • Beethoven 7 & Sibelius

Violin Concerto FEB 22 Salonen: Julia Bullock Sings Ravel & Britten MAY 2 BEETHOVEN250 • Mirga & Beethoven 5 JUN 6 BEETHOVEN250 • MTT & Anne-Sophie Mutter

Saturday B 7 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 21 MTT, Trifonov, & Rachmaninoff OCT 26 Prokofiev & Shostakovich’s Leningrad DEC 14 Handel’s Messiah FEB 15 French Masters: Thibaudet & Saint-Saëns‘

Organ Symphony MAR 14 MTT, Capuçon, Shostakovich, & Stravinsky MAY 9 Gaffigan Leads Marsalis & Dvořák’s New World JUN 13 MTT & Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman

Saturday C 7 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 28 MTT, Stravinsky, & Haydn NOV 9 Koopman Leads 18th-Century Delights JAN 11 MTT & MAHLER • Love & Lyricism FEB 8 BEETHOVEN250 • Blomstedt, Beethoven 2,

& Brahms 4 APR 18 Tchaik 5 & Mason Bates’ World’s Greatest Synth MAY 30 Gardner & Montero: Tchaikovsky Piano

Concerto No. 1 JUN 20 MTT, Shaham, & Shostakovich 5

Saturday D 7 CONCERTS AT 8PM

OCT 5 Mendelssohn Violin Concerto and Mozart’s Jupiter

NOV 16 Pappano Conducts Music from Wagner’s Die Walküre

JAN 18 MTT & Emanuel Ax: Beethoven & Julia Wolfe FEB 29 Leila Josefowicz Plays Salonen Violin Concerto APR 25 Szeps-Znaider Plays & Conducts Mozart &

Elgar’s Enigma MAY 23 MTT & Brahms’ A German Requiem JUN 27 MTT & MAHLER • Symphony of a Thousand

Saturday Z Combo 14 CONCERTS AT 8PM

SEP 14 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 SEP 21 MTT, Trifonov, & Rachmaninoff OCT 19 Pictures & Percussion OCT 26 Prokofiev & Shostakovich’s Leningrad NOV 23 Elegant Vienna: Honeck Conducts

Mozart & Bruckner DEC 14 Handel’s Messiah JAN 25 BEETHOVEN250 • Beethoven 7 & Sibelius

Violin Concerto FEB 15 French Masters: Thibaudet & Saint-Saëns’

Organ Symphony FEB 22 Salonen: Julia Bullock Sings Ravel & Britten MAR 14 MTT, Capuçon, Shostakovich, & Stravinsky MAY 2 BEETHOVEN250 • Mirga & Beethoven 5 MAY 9 Gaffigan Leads Marsalis & Dvořák’s New World JUN 6 BEETHOVEN250 • MTT & Anne-Sophie Mutter JUN 13 MTT & Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman

Sunday Matinee A 6 CONCERTS AT 2PM

SEP 22 MTT, Trifonov, & Rachmaninoff NOV 24 Elegant Vienna: Honeck Conducts

Mozart & Bruckner FEB 2 Blomstedt, Berwald, & Brahms FEB 16 French Masters: Thibaudet & Saint-Saëns’

Organ Symphony MAY 24 MTT & Brahms’ A German Requiem JUN 21 MTT, Shaham, & Shostakovich 5

Sunday Matinee B 6 CONCERTS AT 2PM

SEP 15 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 JAN 12 MTT & MAHLER • Love & Lyricism FEB 9 BEETHOVEN250 • Blomstedt,

Beethoven 2, & Brahms 4 MAY 17 MTT, Yuja, Sibelius, & Brahms MAY 31 Gardner & Montero: Tchaikovsky Piano

Concerto No. 1 JUN 28 MTT & MAHLER • Symphony of a Thousand

Sunday Matinee Z 12 CONCERTS AT 2PM

SEP 15 MTT & MAHLER • Mahler 6 SEP 22 MTT, Trifonov, & Rachmaninoff NOV 24 Elegant Vienna: Honeck Conducts

Mozart & Bruckner JAN 12 MTT & MAHLER • Love & Lyricism FEB 2 Blomstedt, Berwald, & Brahms FEB 9 BEETHOVEN250 • Blomstedt, Beethoven 2,

& Brahms 4 FEB 16 French Masters: Thibaudet & Saint-Saëns’

Organ Symphony MAY 17 MTT, Yuja, Sibelius, & Brahms MAY 24 MTT & Brahms’ A German Requiem MAY 31 Gardner & Montero: Tchaikovsky Piano

Concerto No. 1 JUN 21 MTT, Shaham, & Shostakovich 5 JUN 28 MTT & MAHLER • Symphony of a Thousand

Sundays


Mirga Gražinytė-TylaAPR 30, MAY 1–2

Steven BraunsteinContrabassoon


16 2019–20 Season Subscribe: 415.864.6000

Concert Series Concert Series

Great Performers A 6 EVENING CONCERTS

SUN NOV 3 Violin Recital with Ray Chen SUN JAN 26 BEETHOVEN250 • Violin Recital with

Anne-Sophie Mutter SUN FEB 23 Piano Recital with Yuja Wang TUE MAR 10 Piano Recital with Murray Perahia SUN APR 5 BEETHOVEN250 • Piano Recital with

Yefim Bronfman SUN MAY 31 Vocal Recital with Mezzo-soprano

Sasha Cooke

The BEETHOVEN250 • Piano Recital with Yefim Bronfman on April 5, 2020 is supported by the Newton and Rochelle Becker Charitable Trust.

Great Performers B 6 EVENING CONCERTS

SUN NOV 10 Piano Recital with Chick Corea: From Mozart to Monk

MON JAN 27 BEETHOVEN250 • Chamber Music with Mutter, Choi, Babesko, & Mueller-Schott

SUN MAR 1 Joshua Bell & the Academy of St Martin in the Fields

SUN MAR 22 Piano Recital with Hélène Grimaud SUN APR 26 Cello Recital with Gautier Capuçon SUN MAY 24 BEETHOVEN250 • Piano Recital with

Igor Levit

Great Performers Z Combo 12 EVENING CONCERTS + 3 FREE SF SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAL SERIES CONCERTS, AN ADDITIONAL ONE-TIME SEAT UPGRADE

SUN NOV 3 Violin Recital with Ray Chen SUN NOV 10 Piano Recital with Chick Corea:

From Mozart to Monk SUN JAN 26 BEETHOVEN250 • Violin Recital

with Anne-Sophie Mutter MON JAN 27 BEETHOVEN250 • Chamber Music with

Mutter, Choi, Babesko, & Mueller-Schott SUN FEB 23 Piano Recital with Yuja Wang SUN MAR 1 Joshua Bell & the Academy of St Martin

in the Fields TUE MAR 10 Piano Recital with Murray Perahia SUN MAR 22 Piano Recital with Hélène Grimaud SUN APR 5 BEETHOVEN250 • Piano Recital with

Yefim Bronfman SUN APR 26 Cello Recital with Gautier Capuçon SUN MAY 24 BEETHOVEN250 • Piano Recital with

Igor Levit SUN MAY 31 Vocal Recital with Mezzo-soprano

Sasha Cooke

The BEETHOVEN250 • Piano Recital with Yefim Bronfman on April 5, 2020 is supported by the Newton and Rochelle Becker Charitable Trust.

GreatPerformersWe welcome top-tier ensembles and artists from across the globe to the Davies Symphony Hall stage.

presenting sponsor


Yuja WangFEB 23 MAY 14–17

Gautier CapuçonMAR 12–14APR 26

Joshua BellMAR 1

Ray ChenNOV 3

17

Concert SeriesConcert Series

Experience music curated and performed by small ensembles of San Francisco Symphony musicians.

Chamber Concerts

Organ 3 SUNDAY CONCERTS AT 3PM

OCT 20

JAN 5

MAR 22

CHAMBER MUSIC AT DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL 5 SUNDAY CONCERTS AT 2PM

SEP 29, NOV 3, DEC 1, FEB 23, APR 26

CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE GUNN THEATER AT LEGION OF HONOR 4 SUNDAY CONCERTS AT 2PM

OCT 20, DEC 1, MAR 1, JUN 7Organ OpenRehearsalThere’s nothing quite like being engulfed in the

immense power and beauty of sound. Discover Davies Symphony Hall’s gleaming, 8,264-pipe Ruffatti organ—the largest of its kind in North America—through awe-inspiring performances by the instrument’s most celebrated players.

Take your seat at a San Francisco Symphony open rehearsal for a behind-the-scenes look at how conductors and musicians create eye-opening, ear-stretching musical experiences.

The experience begins at 8:30am with coffee and free donuts, followed by an informational pre-rehearsal talk at 9am.

Open Rehearsal 8 THURSDAY CONCERTS AT 10AM

OCT 17 Pictures & Percussion OCT 24 Prokofiev & Shostakovich’s Leningrad JAN 16 MTT & Emanuel Ax: Beethoven & Julia Wolfe JAN 30 Blomstedt, Berwald, & Brahms FEB 27 Leila Josefowicz Plays Salonen Violin Concerto APR 30 BEETHOVEN250 • Mirga & Beethoven 5 MAY 7 Gaffigan Leads Marsalis & Dvořák’s New World JUN 18 MTT, Shaham, & Shostakovich 5


Open Rehearsals are working rehearsals. The pieces rehearsed are at the conductor’s discretion.

Nadya Tichman Associate Concertmaster San Francisco Symphony Foundation Chair

Amy Hiraga Violin

Nancy Ellis Viola

Peter Wyrick Associate Principal Cello Peter & Jacqueline Hoefer Chair

Daniel G. Smith Associate Principal Bass

Guy Piddington Trumpet

Anne L. & Charles B. Johnson Chair


Concert Series

CocoThis Academy Award™-winning smash hit (Best Original Song, Best Animated Feature Film) stars a music-loving boy who makes a dazzling journey to the Land of the Dead to reunite with his great-great-grandfather.

It’s a Wonderful LifeThis film comes to life with Dimitri Timokin’s timeless score performed by a live symphony orchestra while the full film is shown on the big screen. Jimmy Stewart portrays the down-and-out George, a lovable “failure” with so many problems that he is thinking about ending it all—and it’s Christmas! Clarence, his guardian angel, shows George what his town would be like if it hadn’t been for all of his good deeds. Experience the most beloved holiday movie of all time transformed into an unforgettable live film concert event!

GhostbustersBoasting an unforgettable theme song that topped Billboard′s Hot 100, this infectiously fun comedy classic follows an eccentric band of paranormal investigators as they wage a spectacular battle with the supernatural in New York City.

Apollo 13Featuring an epic, gripping score by acclaimed film composer James Horner, director Ron Howard’s Academy Award™-winning drama (Best Sound, Best Film Editing) recounts the harrowing true story of the aborted Apollo 13 lunar mission and NASA’s effort to return the jeopardized astronauts (Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton) to Earth safely.

FilmEnjoy the magic of cinema like never before—with the score performed live-to- screen by the SF Symphony.

Add Get Out to your package. See page 23.

FILM A FOUR FILMS WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

FRI NOV 1 7:30PM Coco SAT NOV 30 7:30PM Ghostbusters FRI DEC 6 7:30PM It’s a Wonderful Life THU JUL 2 7:30PM Apollo 13

FILM B FOUR FILMS WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

SAT NOV 2 7:30PM Coco FRI NOV 29 7:30PM Ghostbusters TUE DEC 3 7:30PM It’s a Wonderful Life SUN JUL 5 2:00PM Apollo 13

Music for Families

Youth Orchestra

Share the joy of music with all your loved ones. Discover how music speaks to young listeners ages 5–12 and longtime fans alike, through enriching, interactive performances and fun-filled pre-concert activities.

The superstars of tomorrow are on your doorstep! Experience the phenomenal SF Symphony Youth Orchestra—featuring more than 100 of the Bay Area’s brightest young talent—in exhilarating showcases of music’s most virtuosic repertoire.

SF Symphony Youth Orchestra alumni Oliver Herbert and Teddy Abrams take center stage in SF Symphony Orchestral Series concerts, Sep 26–28 and Apr 16–18.

Youth Orchestra 3 SUNDAY CONCERTS AT 2PM

NOV 17

MAR 15

MAY 10

Supported by

Concert Series

Music for Families 3 SATURDAY CONCERTS AT 2PM

DEC 14

FEB 29

APR 4

Supported by

20 2019–20 Season 21

TM & © Universal Studios

© Disney/Pixar

Special Concerts

SpecialConcerts

OPENING NIGHT GALA IN HONOR OF MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS & JOSHUA ROBISON WED SEP 4 8PM

Co-Chairs Rachael Bowman & Nicole Lacob

This spectacular celebration of Michael Tilson Thomas’ 25th and final season as Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony will be one for the ages. From the pre-concert sparkling wine promenade, to the one-of-a-kind concert, to the exciting after-party, you will be a part of San Francisco history while toasting the arts in style.

For an elevated experience, upgrade to one of four unique VIP dinner packages. Call the Volunteer Council for more information at 415.503.5500.

Get Out FEATURE FILM WITH THE SF SYMPHONY WED OCT 30 7:30PM

When a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, he becomes ensnared in a more sinister, real reason for the invitation. As the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined.

Deck the Hall SUN DEC 8 11AM & 3PM

President, Junior Committee Antonia Cohen Event Chair Amy Christodoulo

Deck the Hall is the perfect way to make your family’s holiday season merry and bright. Enjoy a concert of festive favorites and sing-alongs with members of the SF Symphony, guest artists, and special appearances by beloved holiday characters. Tickets include post-concert festivities with entertainment, arts and crafts, and refreshments.

To make the experience even more memorable, order a VIP package that includes premium concert seating plus an exclusive, fun-filled pre-concert party. Call the SF Symphony Volunteer Council at 415.503.5500 or visit sfsymphony.org/deck for further details.

Chinese New Year Concert & Banquet SAT FEB 1 5PM

Event Chairs Gorretti & Lawrence Lui

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Chinese New Year Concert and Banquet is an elegant, colorful celebration of the Lunar New Year with the SF Symphony. Drawing upon vibrant Asian traditions, past and present, guests enjoy the Festival Reception’s host of activities followed by a performance of Eastern and Western repertoire by the Symphony and notable guest artists.

Continue the festivities after the concert by purchasing a ticket to the dramatic and exciting Banquet. Call the SF Symphony Volunteer Council at 415.503.5500 for further details.

The Chinese New Year Concert & Banquet is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsors Gorretti & Lawrence Lui.

Be one of the first to purchase advance tickets to these in-demand concerts in addition to your Subscription Package, and snag the best seats at the best price!

Get Out

Día de los Muertos

Deck the Hall

Día de los Muertos Community Concert SAT NOV 2 2PM

Join us at Davies Symphony Hall for a vibrant celebration of Latin American music and culture at our annual Day of the Dead celebration! Arrive early for live music, dancing, colorful altars, and folk art in the lobby.

For an elevated experience, upgrade to a pre-concert lunch package. Call the SF Symphony Volunteer Council at 415.503.5500 for more information.

Michael Tilson Thomas & Joshua Robison

Opening Night Gala


Lang Lang with the SF Symphony MON OCT 21 8PM

Experience the musical fireworks of superstar virtuoso Lang Lang, who takes center stage Beethoven’s breakthrough Piano Concerto No. 2.

Siberian State Symphony Orchestra SUN MAR 15 7:30PM

Direct from Russia, the Siberian State Symphony Orchestra makes its SF Symphony debut playing the great Russian classics under the baton of Music Director Vladimir Lande.

Flute Recital with James Galway TUE MAR 17 8PM

Experience one of the great masters of the flute repertoire in recital, when the internationally acclaimed James Galway takes the Davies Symphony Hall stage for the first time in nearly two decades.

Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra Featuring Randy Newman WED MAR 23 • THU MAR 24

Legendary songwriter Randy Newman joins the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra in a program featuring hits from his catalog of unforgettable film scores and pop songs.

Chineke! Orchestra with Sheko Kanneh-Mason SUN APR 19 2PM

Europe’s first black and minority professional orchestra makes its SF Symphony debut in a concert featuring cellist Sheko Kanneh-Mason, winner of the 2016 BBC Young Musician Award and soloist at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

James GalwayMAR 17

Lang Lang OCT 21

Siberian State Symphony Orchestra

MAR 15

Special Concerts

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Exclusive Free Ticket Offer! Subscribe by

APRIL 12.(Details p. 3)

Melissa KleinbartViolin

Katharine Hanrahan Chair

2524 2019–20 Season

SFS DEBUT!

Listen and you’ll see why this is a season 25 years in the making!

MTT & MAHLER

MTT & Mahler 6Mahler Symphony No. 6

Michael Tilson Thomas conductor

MTT opens his final subscription season as Music Director with the piece that began our love affair with Mahler. Experience the fury and relentless searching of Mahler’s high-stakes Sixth Symphony, a work imbued with impassioned expression, inspired melodies, and tragic vision. MTT and the Orchestra’s 2001 recording of the Sixth launched the wildly successful SFS Media label, and its release garnered the first of seven Grammy wins for the historic Mahler Project.

Sponsored by

MTT & Trifonov: Rachmaninoff & John AdamsJohn Adams New Work SFS Co-commission with Carnegie

Hall, World PremiereRachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 4 Schumann Symphony No. 3, Rhenish

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorDaniil Trifonov piano

Experience the coming together of extraordinary artists. MTT leads the Orchestra in the world premiere of a new work by one of America’s most celebrated and oft-performed living composers, John Adams. Then, fiery Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov tackles Rachmaninoff’s athletic Fourth Piano Concerto, which blends American jazz, Russian folksong, and Orthodox chant. The concert concludes with Schumann’s five- movement Symphony No. 3, an optimistic and buoyant vision of the Rhine river.

Sponsored by

These concerts, a part of The Barbro and Bernard Osher Masterworks Series, are made possible by a generous gift from Barbro and Bernard Osher.


THU (A) SEP 12 8PM FRI (C) SEP 13 8PMSAT (A) SEP 14 8PM SUN (B) SEP 15 2PM

THU (M) SEP 19 2PMFRI (D) SEP 20 8PMSAT (B) SEP 21 8PM

SUN (A) SEP 22 2PM

THU (O) SEP 26 10AM THU (B) SEP 26 8PM

FRI (E) SEP 27 8PMSAT (C) SEP 28 8PM

MTT, Stravinsky, & HaydnStravinsky Canticum sacrumStravinsky Symphony of Psalms

(1948 rev.)Haydn Cello Concerto No. 1 Stravinsky Symphony in Three

Movements

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorNicholas Phan tenorTBD baritoneOliver Herbert celloSF Symphony Chorus Ragnar Bohlin director

Igor Stravinsky is a giant among composers. He broke his own rules, shocking modern music lovers with an inspired return to the delicate elegance of 18th-century melodies, an era in which Haydn reigned supreme. Experience a captivating program of masterpieces by two inextricably intertwined composer greats as only Stravinsky friend and disciple Michael Tilson Thomas can present. The superb SF Symphony Chorus joins the Orchestra in Stravinsky’s kaleidoscopic three-movement choral masterpiece, Symphony of Psalms.

Oliver Herbert’s appearance is generously supported by the Shenson Young Artist Debut Fund.


Mendelssohn Violin Concerto and Mozart’s JupiterHindemith Concert Music for String

Orchestra and Brass Mendelssohn Violin ConcertoMozart Symphony No. 41, Jupiter

Marek Janowski conductorMaría Dueñas violin

Acclaimed Polish-born, German- based conductor Marek Janowski and the Orchestra welcome astonishing 16-year-old Spanish violinist María Dueñas, who makes her SF Symphony debut in one of the most popular concertos of all time, Mendelssohn’s effervescent Violin Concerto. The revelry continues with Mozart’s final symphony. The Jupiter is filled with such radiance and majesty, someone named it after the king of the gods—and it stuck.


Pictures & PercussionL. Boulanger D’un matin de PrintempsAdam Schoenberg Losing Earth

SFS Commission, World PremiereMussorgsky (orch. Ravel)

Pictures at an Exhibition

Cristian Măcelaru conductorJacob Nissly percussion

Featuring a parade of famous solos, Ravel’s ingenious orchestration transformed Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition into one of the most radiantly hued and popular works of all time. The artistry continues when Cristian Măcelaru and the SF Symphony present the world premiere of Grammy-nominated American composer Adam Schoenberg’s Losing Earth, expressly written for dynamic SFS Principal Percussion Jacob Nissly. Setting the tone is a spritely work by Lili Boulanger, who in 1913 became the first woman to win the prestigious Prix de Rome.


Jacob Nissly Principal PercussionJacob is soloist in Losing Earth on Oct 17–19, and says “Adam Schoenberg’s mastery of both the traditional and modern soundscape makes him the perfect composer for a project involving instruments known and unknown.”

Season Calendar / OCTOBERSeason Calendar / SEPTEMBER

THU (M) OCT 3 2PMFRI (F) OCT 4 8PM

SAT (D) OCT 5 8PM

THU (O) OCT 17 10AMTHU (C) OCT 17 8PMFRI (G) OCT 18 8PMSAT (A) OCT 19 8PM


Elegant Vienna: Honeck Conducts Mozart & BrucknerMozart Piano Concerto No. 22 Bruckner Symphony No. 4, Romantic

Manfred Honeck conductorLeif Ove Andsnes piano

Vienna-born Manfred Honeck, Music Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, returns to lead a program of works written in Vienna, “the capital of classical music.” Fan favorite Leif Ove Andsnes brings signature poise to a gorgeous Mozart piano concerto. Crowning the performance is Bruck-ner’s towering Symphony No. 4, a work whose soaring and seemingly limitless harmonic landscape reveals his lush Romantic voice.

Handel’s Messiah Handel Messiah

Ragnar Bohlin conductor TBD vocal soloistsSF Symphony Chorus

Experience the glorious majesty of Handel’s Messiah performed by the joined forces of the SF Symphony, Chorus, and renowned soloists. Featuring the famous “Hallelujah” Chorus, the magnificent power of 100 voices in harmony demonstrates why this celebrated masterpiece is a holiday favorite—and one of the most loved works of all time.

Pappano Conducts Music from Wagner’s Die WalküreR. Strauss MetamorphosenWagner Act I from Die Walküre

Antonio Pappano conductorEmily Magee sopranoStuart Skelton tenorAin Anger bass

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden Music Director Antonio Pappano makes his SF Symphony debut leading a monumental and operatic program. The concert opens with R. Strauss’ Metamorphosen, an ensemble work with 23 solo parts that showcase the virtuosity of our brilliant string players. The evening concludes with Act I of Wagner’s masterful Die Walküre, featuring three of the world’s leading Wagnerian singers.


Koopman Leads 18th-Century DelightsJ.S. Bach Violin Concerto No. 1J.S. Bach Orchestral Suite No. 4Rebel Chaos from Les ÉlémensHaydn Symphony No. 100, Military

Ton Koopman conductorAlexander Barantschik violin

World-renowned early music specialist Ton Koopman brings a feast of 18th-century delights, including two exalted works by J.S. Bach. SFS Concertmaster Alexander Barantschik takes center stage in Bach’s lyrical Violin Concerto No. 1, before the Orchestra dives in to Chaos, a vivid work by one of Bach’s most inventive Baroque contemporaries, Rebel. The program concludes with a radiant work by the “father of the symphony,” Haydn.


Prokofiev & Shostakovich’s LeningradProkofiev Piano Concerto No. 1Shostakovich Symphony No. 7,

Leningrad

Karina Canellakis conductorAlexander Gavrylyuk piano

Chief Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Karina Canellakis makes her SF Symphony debut leading the Orchestra in the music of two Russian heavyweights. Dynamic Ukranian pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk, also making his debut here, delivers young Prokofiev’s ravishingly colorful and percussive Concerto No. 1. Then, a powerful statement from the Russia of a different time: Shostakov-ich’s defiant 1941 bombshell, the wild and sprawling Leningrad Symphony.

THU (A) OCT 24 8PMFRI (C) OCT 25 8PMSAT (B) OCT 26 8PM

THU (B) NOV 14 8PMFRI (E) NOV 15 8PM

SAT (D) NOV 16 8PM

THU (M) NOV 7 2PMFRI (E) NOV 8 8PM

SAT (D) NOV 9 8PM

FRI (F) NOV 22 8PMSAT (A) NOV 23 8PMSUN (B) NOV 24 2PM

FRI (G) DEC 13 8PMSAT (B) DEC 14 8PM

Antonio PappanoAlexander Gavrylyuk Manfred Honeck

Season Calendar / NOVEMBER–DECEMBERSeason Calendar / OCTOBER–NOVEMBER

Antonio PappanoKarina Canellakis Leif Ove Andsnes

Alexander Barantschik Concertmaster

Naoum Blinder Chair

SFS DEBUT!

SFS DEBUT!

2928 2019–20 Season

BEETHOVEN250

MTT & Emanuel Ax: Beethoven & Julia WolfeJulia Wolfe Fountain of Youth

SFS Co-commission, West Coast Premiere

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2Wagner Siegfried Idyll Berg Three Pieces for Orchestra

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorEmanuel Ax piano

A program of legends! Audience favorite Emanuel Ax performs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a wondrous work that is equal parts muscle and effervescence. Then, Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll (a work the composer gifted his wife for her birthday), and Berg’s spellbinding Three Pieces for Orchestra, a revival of recent performances issued on our acclaimed SFS Media label. Opening the program is the West Coast premiere of Fountain of Youth, an SFS co-commission by Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer Julia Wolfe, famed for her melding of folk, rock, and classical idioms.


MTT & MAHLER MTT: Love & LyricismBerlioz Overture to Benvenuto CelliniMichael Tilson Thomas Rilke Songs

World PremiereMahler Songs from Des Knaben

WunderhornRavel La Valse

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorSasha Cooke mezzo-sopranoRyan McKinny bass-baritone

MTT, magnetic mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke (in residence this season), elegant bass-baritone Ryan McKinny, and the SF Symphony bring their signature extraordinary depth of emotion to Mahler’s storied and exqui-sitely textured song cycle, Des Knaben Wunderhorn. The program opens with a spirited orchestral mini-drama by Berlioz: his overture to the opera Benvenuto Cellini. At the core of this luxuriant program is the world premiere of Rilke Songs, MTT’s imaginative musical setting of lyric poems by modernist Rainer Maria Rilke. La Valse, Ravel’s whirling portrayal of Gilded Age excess, brings this evocative program to a close.


THU (A) JAN 9 8PMFRI (C) JAN 10 8PMSAT (C) JAN 11 8PM

SUN (B) JAN 12 2PM

THU (O) JAN 16 10AMTHU (C) JAN 16 8PM

FRI (D) JAN 17 8PMSAT (D) JAN 18 8PM

THU (M) JAN 23 2PMFRI (E) JAN 24 8PMSAT (A) JAN 25 8PM

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Beethoven 7 & Sibelius Violin ConcertoJörg Widmann Con brioSibelius Violin ConcertoBeethoven Symphony No. 7

Dima Slobodeniouk conductorSergey Khachatryan violin

Finland-based conductor Dima Slobodeniouk makes his SF Symphony debut leading the Orchestra in Beethoven’s Seventh—a symphony so arresting, so charged with fervor, that music has never been the same. Jörg Widmann’s spectacular Con brio, a remarkable contemporary lens through which to gaze at Beethoven’s musical monument, uniquely resounds with the German master’s orchestral color. Armenian virtuoso Sergey Khachatryan, the youngest-ever winner of the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, brings his insight to Sibelius’ urgent and utterly bewitching concerto.


30 2019–20 Season 31

Season Calendar / JANUARYSeason Calendar / JANUARY

Sasha Cooke Mezzo-soprano This season marks the 10-year anniversary of Sasha’s close musical collaboration with MTT and the SF Symphony, with highlights including tours, recordings, and critically acclaimed performances of Berlioz, Debussy, and Mahler.

SFS DEBUT!

Emanuel Ax Dima Slobodeniouk


Blomstedt, Berwald, & BrahmsBerwald Symphony No. 1Brahms Symphony No. 3

Herbert Blomstedt conductor SFS Conductor Laureate

Herbert Blomstedt leads the Orchestra in a program bursting with contrasts. Experience the power, tenderness, vigor, and lyricism of Brahms’ dramatic Third Symphony, written when the established composer was at his zenith. Countering this fundamental work is a distinctively inventive first symphony by 19th-century Romantic master Berwald, whose colorful music Blomstedt has long championed.


BEETHOVEN250

Blomstedt, Beethoven 2, & Brahms 4Beethoven Symphony No. 2Brahms Symphony No. 4

Herbert Blomstedt conductor SFS Conductor Laureate

Herbert Blomstedt brings special insight to Beethoven’s invigorating Second Symphony. Already troubled by hearing loss, we hear Beethoven leaning into his inner strength, writing music filled with humor and good cheer. Brahms produced some of the most popular symphonies of the Romantic age—including his Fourth, which cuts as close to the heart as music can.

FRI (E) FEB 14 8PMSAT (B) FEB 15 8PMSUN (A) FEB 16 2PM

THU (C) FEB 20 8PMFRI (D) FEB 21 8PM

SAT (A) FEB 22 8PM

FRI (G) FEB 7 8PMSAT (C) FEB 8 8PMSUN (B) FEB 9 2PM

THU (O) JAN 30 10AMTHU (B) JAN 30 8PM

FRI (F) JAN 31 8PMSUN (A) FEB 2 2PM

THU (O) FEB 27 10AMTHU (A) FEB 27 8PMFRI (C) FEB 28 8PM

SAT (A) FEB 29 8PM

Salonen: Julia Bullock Sings Ravel & BrittenStucky Music for the Funeral of

Queen MaryBritten Les IlluminationsRavel Three Poems of Stéphane

MallarméRavel Ma Mère l’Oye (Mother Goose)

Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor SFS Music Director Designate

Julia Bullock soprano

Esa-Pekka Salonen conjures up an evocative and inspired program. Ravel’s enchanting Mother Goose, based on a collection of folktales, is a work of imaginative musical abandon. Radiant soprano Julia Bullock, in residence this season, sings Britten’s Les Illuminations (based on hallucinatory verses by Rimbaud) and Ravel’s Three Poems of Stéphane Mallarmé, which evoke the Symbolist writer’s “mystery of somber abstractions.” The evening begins with a work written after a suggestion by Salonen to Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Steven Stucky: the haunting, freely conceived Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary, an adaptation of a stately march by the great English composer Henry Purcell.


Julia Bullock’s appearance is generously supported by the Shenson Young Artist Debut Fund.

French Masters: Thibaudet & Saint-Saëns’ Organ SymphonyDukas La Péri Aaron Zigman Tango Manos

US PremiereSaint-Saëns Symphony No. 3, Organ

Fabien Gabel conductor Jean-Yves Thibaudet piano

French pièces de résistance! Québec Symphony Orchestra Music Director Fabien Gabel makes his debut leading the SF Symphony in the alluring, heady ardor of Dukas’ La Péri, one of the great neglected masterpieces of the early 20th century. Then, wildly virtuosic pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet brings his customary joie de vivre to award-winning film composer Aaron Zigman’s piano concerto Tango Manos, in its US premiere performances. Saint-Saëns’ cutting-edge, gloriously tuneful Symphony No. 3—the composer’s most famous instrumental work—closes this program with panache.

Leila Josefowicz Plays Salonen Violin ConcertoBeethoven Overture to King StephenEsa-Pekka Salonen Violin ConcertoNielsen Symphony No. 5

Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor SFS Music Director Designate

Leila Josefowicz violin

Astonishing virtuoso Leila Josefowicz teams up with Esa-Pekka Salonen for a fiery performance of his Violin Concerto, a tour de force written especially for her. The SF Symphony brings fresh perspective to Beethoven’s innovative and finely crafted Overture to King Stephen. Our program closes with Danish composer Carl Nielsen’s passionate postwar lament, his Symphony No. 5—one of the most sonorous and affirmative works in the repertoire.



Season Calendar / FEBRUARYSeason Calendar / JANUARY–FEBRUARY

Esa-Pekka SalonenHerbert Blomstedt Leila JosefowiczJean-Yves Thibaudet

3332 2019–20 Season

Tchaik 5 & Mason Bates’ World’s Greatest Synth Barber Second Essay for OrchestraMason Bates World’s Greatest Synth

SFS Co-commission, West Coast Premiere

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5

Teddy Abrams conductor

MTT protégé Teddy Abrams conducts the West Coast premiere of World’s Greatest Synth, an SFS co-commission. A vivid concerto for orchestra and animated film by Mason Bates, Musical America’s 2018 Composer of the Year and 2019 Grammy Award winner, this imaginative, multi-sensory experience blends music, visual art, and sound design, and zooms inside instruments to explore the age-old connection between creativity and technology. Experience a spectacular musical illustration of “unity from diversity” as the orchestra’s various families over-come tribal differences and synthesize as one.

The World’s Greatest Synth experience is the brainchild of composer and DJ Mason Bates; seven-time Academy Award-winning sound designer and director Gary Rydstrom; and Academy Award-nominated animator Jim Capobianco.

Szeps-Znaider Plays & Conducts Mozart & Elgar’s EnigmaMozart Violin Concerto No. 2R. Strauss Death and TransfigurationElgar Enigma Variations

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conductor and violin

Discover the glorious vividness of young R. Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration and the expressive beauty of Elgar’s popular Enigma Variations. The brilliant Szeps-Znaider takes the podium for these wondrous orchestral works, and takes center stage as soloist and conductor in Mozart’s captivating Violin Concerto No. 2.


MTT, Capuçon, Shostakovich, & StravinskyMichael Tilson Thomas Lope

West Coast PremiereShostakovich Cello Concerto No. 2Stravinsky The Firebird

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorGautier Capuçon cello

MTT, the SF Symphony, and audience favorite Gautier Capuçon journey into the turbulent soundscape of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 2, a profound, percussive, and potent showpiece. Also on the program, MTT pairs Lope, his whimsical piece about walking the dog—from the dog’s perspective—with Stravinsky’s landmark work about another magical creature: The Firebird.


FRI (F) MAR 6 8PM THU (B) APR 16 8PMFRI (C) APR 17 8PM

SAT (C) APR 18 8PM

THU (O) MAR 12 10AMTHU (B) MAR 12 8 PMFRI (G) MAR 13 8 PMSAT (B) MAR 14 8 PM

THU (M) APR 23 2PMFRI (D) APR 24 8PMSAT (D) APR 25 8PM

Mason Bates

Season Calendar / APRILSeason Calendar / MARCH

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider

MTT & MAHLER

MTT: Mahler 6 & John AdamsJohn Adams New Work

SFS Co-commission with Carnegie Hall

Mahler Symphony No. 6

Michael Tilson Thomas conductor

During their 25-year partnership, Michael Tilson Thomas and the SF Symphony forged a new identity for the Orchestra, one that won international acclaim for their interpretations of the masterworks and explorations of the new American sound. This artistic legacy is represented in this meaningful program: Opening the evening is a new work by an elder statesman of American music, former SFS composer-in-residence John Adams, followed by a profound performance of Mahler’s tragic Sixth Symphony. Experience the SF Symphony playing these works paired together for the first time, ahead of the Orchestra’s 2020 European Tour.


Gaffigan Leads Marsalis & Dvořák’s New WorldJessie Montgomery StarburstWynton Marsalis Violin ConcertoDvořák Symphony No. 9,

From the New World

James Gaffigan conductorNicola Benedetti violin

The SF Symphony celebrates the staggering diversity of the American Sound. Former SFS resident conductor and current Chief Conductor of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra James Gaffigan brings a spirited program of three radically different works—jazz icon Wynton Marsalis’ Violin Concerto (with sizzling virtuoso Nicola Benedetti); the multi-layered Starburst, by stylish New York composer Jessie Montgom-ery; and Dvořák’s quintessential vision of the American frontier, the Symphony No. 9, From the New World.


MTT, Yuja, Sibelius, & BrahmsSibelius Symphony No. 5Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorYuja Wang piano

The SF Symphony welcomes the return of piano superstar and MTT protégé Yuja Wang, who pours ferocious technique into Brahms’ breakout piece, the Piano Concerto No. 1. MTT and the Orchestra open the program with the ebullient Fifth Symphony of iconic Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, who conducted the work’s world premiere on his 50th birthday in a show of his vitality and vigor.

THU (C) APR 30 8PMFRI (E) MAY 1 8PM

SAT (A) MAY 2 8PM

THU (O) MAY 7 10AMTHU (A) MAY 7 8 PMFRI (F) MAY 8 8 PM

SAT (B) MAY 9 8 PM

THU (C) MAY 14 8PMFRI (G) MAY 15 8PM

SUN (B) MAY 17 2PM

FRI (C) MAY 22 8PMSAT (D) MAY 23 8PMSUN (A) MAY 24 2PM

FRI (G) MAY 29 8PMSAT (C) MAY 30 8PMSUN (B) MAY 31 2PM

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Mirga & Beethoven 5Raminta Šerkšnytė FiresWeinberg Violin ConcertoBeethoven Symphony No. 5

Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla conductorGidon Kremer violin

The electrifying Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, makes her SF Symphony debut at these performances of Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5, a work whose opening four notes are among the most recognizable in all of music. Mirga begins the program with a thunderous and bluesy overture by Lithuanian composer Raminta Šerkšnytė (who ingeniously slips in a punchline that quotes Beethoven’s Fifth), while leading violinist Gidon Kremer promises to enrapture in Weinberg’s angular and lyric concerto, a composer championed by both Mirga and Gidon.

Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla’s appearance is generously supported by the Shenson Young Artist Debut Fund.

MTT & Brahms’ A German RequiemRuggles AngelsRuggles Sun-treaderBrahms A German Requiem

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorJoélle Harvey sopranoTBD baritoneSF Symphony Chorus Ragnar Bohlin director

Enthralling, intimate, spacious, human. In A German Requiem, Brahms crafts an exquisite hymn of consolation. MTT and the SF Symphony join forces with our majestic Chorus and superstar vocalists in this revelatory masterpiece, which ballasts an ambitious program of visionaries past and present. Devoted to the discovery of America’s musical voice, MTT pairs Brahms’ masterwork with two magically sonorous 20th-century pieces—Angels and Sun-treader—both by pioneering composer Carl Ruggles, whose music MTT has esteemed for decades.

Gardner & Montero: Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1Stravinsky FireworksBartók Dance SuiteProkofiev Scenes from Romeo

and Juliet

Edward Gardner conductorGabriela Montero piano

Venezuelan Gabriela Montero injects her larger-than-life personality into Tchaikovsky’s scintillating thrill ride, the beloved and blistering Piano Concerto No. 1. Edward Gardner, Chief Conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic, leads the Orchestra in Bartók’s boisterous Dance Suite, and in Prokofiev’s gorgeous and lyrical Scenes from Romeo and Juliet.

Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, Gidon Kremer, and the SF Symphony celebrate the 60th anniversary of Weinberg’s imaginative Violin Concerto in a year that follows the centennial of his birth.

Season Calendar / MAYSeason Calendar / APRIL–MAY

SFS DEBUT!

3736 2019–20 Season

a semi-staged event

MTT & Wagner’s The Flying DutchmanWagner Der fliegende Holländer

(The Flying Dutchman)

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorCast to be announcedSF Symphony Chorus Ragnar Bohlin director

MTT stirs up a tempest with the SF Symphony, our phenomenal Chorus, and a superstar cast of the great Wagnerian singers of our time. Experience the vast soundscape of Wagner’s musical maritime drama The Flying Dutchman in a semi-staged spectacular that features original set design and costuming.

The theater is in MTT’s genes, and that led him to explore how the concert hall and theater can merge. Since the 1996 performances of Bernstein’s On the Town, semi-staged productions featuring scenic design, lighting, costumes, and stage action have highlighted SF Symphony seasons.

Funding from the Barbro and Bernard Osher Staged Production Fund began in 2003 with the Symphony’s semi-staged production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. Be a part of MTT/SFS history as we come full circle with this season’s new semi-staged production of Wagner’s masterpiece.

These performances are supported by The Barbro and Bernard Osher Staged Production Fund.

BEETHOVEN250

MTT & Anne-Sophie MutterSchubert Symphony in B minor,

UnfinishedSchoenberg Five Pieces for OrchestraBeethoven Violin Concerto

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorAnne-Sophie Mutter violin

Beethoven wrote only one violin concerto—and it is undeniably singular in scope, vision, and majesty. Legendary violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter offers up an inspired take on this sublime favorite as part of her SF Symphony residency this season. Also on the program, MTT leads the Orchestra in Schubert’s hauntingly beautiful Unfinished Symphony and revolutionary composer Arnold Schoenberg’s extraordinary boundary-blurring Five Pieces for Orchestra.


MTT, Shaham, & Shostakovich 5John Corigliano Three Hallucinations Barber Violin ConcertoShostakovich Symphony No. 5

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorGil Shaham violin

Living in fear for his life in Stalinist Russia, rule-breaker Shostakovich produced his mighty Fifth Symphony—scoring an instant success, redeeming himself in the eyes of the authorities, and giving the world one of the most heart-pounding symphonies to come out of the 20th century. MTT leads an electrifying program that also explores the American spirit, featuring Barber’s rhapsodic and romantic Violin Concerto with San Francisco favorite, Gil Shaham. The program opens with a suite from the landmark 1980 motion picture Altered States, a sensory-altering film scored by the multi-award-winning composer John Corigliano.


THU (M) JUN 4 2PMFRI (F) JUN 5 8 PM

SAT (A) JUN 6 8 PM

THU (A) JUN 11 8PM SAT (B) JUN 13 8PM

MON (D) JUN 15 5PM

THU (O) JUN 18 10AMTHU (B) JUN 18 8PMSAT (C) JUN 20 8PMSUN (A) JUN 21 2PM

Season Calendar / JUNESeason Calendar / JUNE

Anne-Sophie Mutter Legendary violinist and Artist-in-Residence Anne-Sophie Mutter celebrates MTT’s final season as SF Symphony Music Director with three brilliant and diverse BEETHOVEN250 programs: a recital (Jan 26), a chamber music concert (Jan 27), and as soloist with the Orchestra at these concerts (Jun 4–6).

Michael Tilson Thomas Gil Shaham


MTT & MAHLER

Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand Mahler Symphony No. 8

Michael Tilson Thomas conductorSoloists to be announcedSF Symphony Chorus Ragnar Bohlin director

Celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Michael Tilson Thomas in his final program as the SF Symphony’s Music Director, with Mahler’s mind-blowing sonic masterpiece, nicknamed the Symphony of a Thousand. After a magnificent 25-year partnership with MTT, the SF Symphony now sits at the vanguard of ensembles, finding white heat at the intersection of community, artistic daring, and the great classical canon. Join MTT, the Grammy Award-winning SF Symphony and Chorus, and a superstar cast of soloists in what is sure to be the musical event of the season.

Season Calendar / JUNE

THU (C) JUN 25 8PMFRI (E) JUN 26 8PMSAT (D) JUN 27 8PM SUN (B) JUN 28 2PM

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Featured releases from Michael Tilson Thomas and the 15-time Grammy Award-winning SF Symphony.SFS Media recordings reflect the broad range of programming that has been a hallmark of the MTT/SFS partnership, showcasing music by maverick composers and core classical masterworks. Recorded live in concert and engineered at Davies Symphony Hall, these audio recordings are released on hybrid SACD and in high-quality digital formats. Find them wherever music is sold and streamed.

Enrich Your ExperienceVisit sfsymphony.org for resources like theseBefore• Podcasts Listen and learn about the music on the go! Visit sfsymphony.org/podcasts • Pre-concert lectures Discover the backstory & what to listen for from experts on the music • At a Glance Concert summaries • Pre-order an intermission drink

During• Insider Info Learn more about the music directly from the artists in the Playbill• Program notes • Special lobby exhibits

After • Off the Podium Post-concert Q&A’s with the artists • CD signings• More about the Music Recommended readings & recordings featuring the music & musicians on the program • Broadcasts Hear SFS broadcasts on KDFC 90.3 SF, 89.9 Napa, 104.9 San Jose, 103.9 Carmel, and streaming online at KDFC.com

Symphony Store Choose from a wide variety of CDs, DVDs, literature, clothing, books, and more.

Mon–Fri, 11am–4pm, and during all concerts. 415.503.5537

Repeat Performance With merchandise donated by Symphony patrons, Repeat Performance’s proceeds support the Symphony’s programs throughout the Bay Area.

2463 Fillmore Street, SF Mon–Sat, 10am–5:30pm 415.563.3123

Experience the Wattis RoomIn the Wattis Room, we invite Baton Circle and Maestro’s Circle donors to enjoy an exclusive dining experience within Davies Symphony Hall. Savor your experience at the Symphony with pre-concert dining or cocktails and coffee at intermission.

The Wattis Room is also perfect for special events, such as wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate parties, and more.

To learn more about how to become a Baton Circle or Maestro’s Circle donor, please see page 44. For event inquiries in the Wattis Room, please contact 415.503.5333 or [email protected]

Schumann Symphonies Nos. 1–4 2-Disc Deluxe Set

Berlioz Roméo et Juliette 2-Disc Deluxe Set

The Mahler Project 17-Disc Deluxe Box Set

4140 2019–20 Season

At the close of these concerts, Michael Tilson Thomas becomes the SF Symphony’s first Music Director Laureate.

Ordering InformationSave more than 30% by purchasing a subscription!*

Add on these individual concerts to your subscription!

SF Symphony Orchestral Series Concerts Great Performers Series Concerts Film Series Concerts

Subscriber Single Ticket Pricing

All Concerts**

Yuja Wang MTT & Mahler 8

All Concerts†

Yefim Bronfman, Igor Levit

Chick Corea Yuja Wang, Joshua Bell

All Concerts

Date See Exclusions Above 5/14–15, 17 6/25–28 See

Exclusions Above 4/5, 5/24 11/10 2/23, 3/1 -

2nd Tier 32 47 52 29 25 30 52 32

Premier 2nd Tier 47 62 67 35 25 30 67 47

Upper Orchestra 41 56 61 45 35 70 85 62

Orchestra Rear Box 67 82 87 46 35 70 88 67

1st Tier 64 79 84 40 35 80 77 64

Front Orchestra 75 90 95 59 45 90 108 75

Side Terrace§ 74 89 94 50 25 30 94 -

Premier 1st Tier 77 92 97 55 45 80 101 77

Orchestra 93 108 113 65 55 80 118 93

Premier Orchestra 118 133 138 79 65 90 148 118

Orchestra Side Box 153 168 173 95 85 110 178 153

Loge 153 168 173 95 85 110 178 153

Pre-paid Parking 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25

Special Concerts

Opening

Night Gala ‡Lang Lang Get Out

FilmDía de los Muertos ‡

Kids Half Price

Deck the Hall‡

Peter and the Wolf

Kids Half Price

Chinese New Year ‡

Siberian State

Symphony

James Galway

Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra

Chineke! Orchestra

9/4/19 10/21/19 10/30/19 11/2/19 12/8/19 12/15/19 2/1/20 3/15/20 3/17/203/23/20 3/24/20

4/19/20

225 60 50 25 - 25 25 30 39 50 35

- 70 65 35 - 35 35 40 49 60 39

- 120 90 50 48 59 60 59 59 109 55

- 120 90 50 48 59 60 59 59 109 49

360 90 80 40 48 49 60 50 59 70 45

- 160 85 60 - 65 - 69 89 139 59

- 120 - - 48 49 - 50 69 49 49

- 100 100 50 48 59 60 60 69 80 79

- 135 105 70 70 65 76 79 79 129 69

- 160 130 80 - 75 90 89 89 139 89

- 185 160 90 - 85 - 99 99 149 99

- 185 160 90 - 85 - 99 99 149 99

- 25 25 25 - 25 - 25 25 25 25

Great Performers Series Other Concert Series

GPSA

GPSB

GPSZ

Music for

Families Adult

Music for

Families Child

FILM A, B

Chamber Music

Organ Youth Orchestra

Open Rehearsal

Legion of

Honor◊

6 6 12 3 3 4 5 3 3 8 4

42 21 - - - -

193 194 387 66 33 128 - - -

232 227 459 78 39 188 - - -

300 325 625 102 51 248 165 84 -

307 331 638 96 48 268 165 84 -

272 312 584 96 48 256 - - -

389 420 809 102 51 300 165 84 -

319 299 618 78 39 - 165 - -

366 391 757 102 51 308 - - -

433 448 881 102 51 372 165 114 240◊

529 540 1069 120 60 472 165 114 -

643 658 1301 156 78 612 165 114 -

643 658 1301 156 78 612 165 114 -

150 150 300 75 75 100 125 75 75 200 -

Open Seating Package

$45

RESERVED Seating in

Loge/Side Box $165

Open Seating Package

$200

RESERVED Seating in

Loge/Side Box/ Rear Box/

Premier Orch. $280

Your ticket price includes a Hall Improvement Fee, which allows the SF Symphony to elevate and refresh the concert experience through physical improvements and enriched offerings in our lobbies and hall before, during, and after performances.

*Actual savings may vary based on seat location and prices.

**All SF Symphony Orchestral Series concerts, excluding Yuja Wang (5/14–15, 17) and MTT & Mahler 8 (6/25–28).

† All Great Perfomers Series concerts excluding Piano Recital with Yefim Bronfman (4/5); BEETHOVEN250 • Piano Recital with Igor Levit (5/24); Piano Recital with Chick Corea, From Mozart to Monk (11/10); Piano Recital: Yuja Wang (2/23); Joshua Bell & the Academy of St Martin in the Fields (3/1)

‡ Premium seats, which include pre- or post-concert packages are available. For more informa-tion, contact the San Francisco Symphony Volunteer Council at 415-503-5500.

◊ Legion of Honor members price is $220

§ The Side Terrace may not be available for all SF Symphony Orchestral Series concerts.

Stage Loge Side Box Rear Box Orchestra Premier Orchestra Upper Orchestra

Front Orchestra First Tier Premier First Tier Second Tier Premier Second Tier Side Terrace Center Terrace

Davies Symphony Hall Seating Chart

Online sfsymphony.org/subscribe

In personDavies Symphony Hall Box Office

Mon–Fri: 10am–6pm Sat: 12pm–6pm

Call the Box Office 415.864.6000

Mail the order form with payment to Patron Services SF Symphony Davies Symphony Hall 201 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102


Series Pricing

THU A, B, M

THU C

THU Z

FRI C, D, F

FRI E

FRI G

FRI A

FRI B

FRI Z

SAT A, B, C

SAT D

SAT Z

SUN A

SUN B

SUN Z

No. of Concerts 6 6 12 6 6 6 12 12 24 7 7 14 6 6 12

Center Terrace - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2nd Tier 192 227 384 192 212 207 404 384 788 224 244 448 192 227 419

Premier 2nd Tier 282 317 564 282 302 297 584 564 1148 329 349 658 282 317 599

Upper Orchestra 246 281 492 246 266 261 512 492 1004 287 307 574 246 281 527

Orchestra Rear Box 402 437 804 402 422 417 824 804 1628 469 489 938 402 437 839

1st Tier 384 419 768 384 404 399 788 768 1556 448 468 896 384 419 803

Front Orchestra 450 485 900 450 470 465 920 900 1820 525 545 1050 450 485 935

Side Terrace § 444 479 888 444 464 459 908 888 1796 518 538 1036 444 479 923

Premier 1st Tier 462 497 924 462 482 477 944 924 1868 539 559 1078 462 497 959

Orchestra 558 593 1116 558 578 573 1136 1116 2252 651 671 1302 558 593 1151

Premier Orchestra 708 743 1416 708 728 723 1436 1416 2852 826 846 1652 708 743 1451

Orchestra Side Box 918 953 1836 918 938 933 1856 1836 3692 1071 1091 2142 918 953 1871

Loge 918 953 1836 918 938 933 1856 1836 3692 1071 1091 2142 918 953 1871

Pre-paid Parking 150 150 300 150 150 150 300 300 600 175 175 350 150 150 300


Thank you to our Institutional PartnersThe San Francisco Symphony is exceedingly grateful to its corporate, foundation,

and government partners for their generous support of the outstanding concerts, impactful educational programs, and engaging community events we create

for people across the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Inaugural Partner

SECOND CENTURY PARTNER

$100,000 AND ABOVE

CORPORATIONS

FOUNDATIONS

$50,000 TO $99,999 $35,000 TO $49,999

$15,000 TO $34,999

$10,000 TO $14,999

SEASON PARTNERS

Official Airline

$100,000 and aboveThe Eucalyptus FoundationThe William & Flora Hewlett FoundationThe James Irvine Foundation Koret FoundationThe Bernard Osher Foundation

$50,000 – $99,999Louise M Davies Foundation The Frances K and Charles D Field Foundation Walter and Elise Haas FundLeague of American Orchestras

$35,000 – $49,999Clarence E Heller Charitable FoundationWilliam G Irwin Charity FoundationThe Kimball FoundationBarbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation

$15,000 – $34,999Acacia FoundationCresent Porter Hale FoundationHeising-Simons FoundationAlexander M and June L Maisin FoundationNewton and Rochelle Becker Charitable Trust

$5,000 – $14,999Frank A Campini FoundationThe Aaron Copland Fund for MusicThe Davis/Dauray Family FundEvelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. FundJohn Brockway Huntington Foundation Robert Wood Johnson FoundationWalter S Johnson Foundation Kresge Foundation Laney Thornton Foundation The Joseph and Mercedes McMicking FoundationNakamichi FoundationThe Walther Foundation Zellerbach Family Foundation

PUBLIC FUNDING MEDIA PARTNERS

For more information on becoming an Institutional Partner, please contact Cia Glover at 415.503.5504 or [email protected].

CHANEL

On the stage The Symphony presents more than 200 concerts each season, featuring the world’s best musicians and guest artists.

In schools100% of San Francisco public elementary school students grades 1-5 receive free music education through our Adventures in Music program.

Throughout the communityThousands enjoy free concerts at Stern Grove, local community centers and hospitals, and millions more via SFS broadcasts on KDFC 90.3 SF, 89.9 Napa, 104.9 San Jose, 103.9 Carmel, and streaming online at KDFC.com.

HOW TO GIVE1 WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONInclude your gift in the contribution line of your subscription order.

2 ONLINEVisit sfsymphony.org/give

3CONTACT US At 415.503.5444 or [email protected]

Bec

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Join a community of music lovers who are committed to strengthening art and live music in the Bay Area. Gifts from our donors make the music possible.

Your gift brings you closer to the music you love. In gratitude for your support, we invite you to enjoy*:

Special receptions, tours, rehearsals, and other insider events

Opportunities to meet the musicians and guest artists

VIP ticket services and complimentary parking *Donor opportunities vary based on your membership level.

EducationThis season, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of music education at the San Francisco Symphony. We are proud to be a leading provider of music education in the Bay Area and beyond.

We extend a special thank you to our education donors and community and corporate partners for making this possible each and every year!

“The biggest responsibility we performing arts organizationshave for the future is to guide and encourage children and young people in their under-standing of how music really works and what it means.” —Michael Tilson Thomas

4544 2019–20 Season

@sfsymphony

Front cover and Musician portraits Mark Mahaney

Back cover Portrait of Michael Tilson Thomas from his inaugural season with the SF Symphony in 1995 by Nancy Ellison.

Additional photography Stefan Cohen, Kristen Loken, and Brandon Patoc

FREE TICKET OFFER FOR SUBSCRIBERS*

Subscribe or renew your subscription by Friday, April 12 to receive free SF Symphony Orchestral Series concerts:

• 6 or more concerts Get 2 SF Symphony Orchestral concerts free!

• 12 or more concerts Get 3 SF Symphony Orchestral concerts free!

• 18 or 24 concerts Get 3 SF Symphony Orchestral concerts free! + 2 complimentary beverage vouchers + An additional one-time seat upgrade

For renewals, keep the seats you love! All seats will be released after Friday, April 12.

michael tilson thomas...8 2019–20 season a historic season the new american sound premieres &...

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