San Francisco Symphony Orchestra

In the wake of the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire, San Francisco’s civic leaders set about creating a permanent orchestra in the music-loving city.  In December 1911, the San Francisco Symphony gave its first concerts, rekindling the city’s cultural life. It delighted audiences with a kaleidoscopic mix of classics and new music.
The orchestra grew in stature and acclaim under a succession of distinguished music directors. Henry Hadley was followed by Alfred Hertz. Then came Basil Cameron, Issay Dobrowen, the legendary Pierre Monteux, Enrique Jordá, Josef Krips, Seiji Ozawa, Edo de Waart, and Herbert Blomstedt. Michael Tilson Thomas became Music Director in 1995. Under his leadership, the orchestra has reached new artistic heights and new audiences. From September 2020, Esa-Pekka Salonen will succeed him.