San Francisco Symphony Will Host 2026-27 Opening Gala in September

The San Francisco Symphony will celebrate the start of its 2026–27 season September 24 with a special Opening Gala concert conducted by Giancarlo Guerrero and featuring violinist Hilary Hahn in a performance of Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. The program also includes Bay Area-based composer John Adams's The Chairman Dances—a “foxtrot for orchestra” written while the composer completed his opera Nixon in China—and Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio espagnol, a five-movement orchestral show piece inspired by Spanish folk music. 

The San Francisco Symphony's Opening Gala begins at 5:30pm with a preconcert lobby reception for attendees 21 years of age and older with complimentary beverages, light bites catered by McCalls Catering and Events, and preconcert entertainment. (Doors open at 6:30pm for attendees under 21.) 

Following the performance, concert attendees can extend their evening with a live DJ in the Orchestra level lobby, photo booth, and specialty cocktails available for purchase. 

For an elevated experience, patrons can reserve a VIP sponsorship including an exclusive preconcert cocktail reception and celebratory postconcert seated dinner in Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. The Opening Gala features decor and catering from McCalls Catering and Events, lighting design by Got Light, and projection design by Yuki Izumihara. 

The 2026 Opening Gala presenting sponsor is Zenni Optical. The supporting sponsor is Harry Winston, Inc. In-kind support for the Opening Gala is provided by The Caviar Co, Chandon, Luxardo, and Nikka Vodka.

The Opening Gala is led by a host committee of San Francisco Symphony Governors including Jeff Bharkhda, Priscilla B. Geeslin, Aditi Iyer, and Solenn Seguillon.