SF Symphony Gala: A Show-Stopper for the Opening Season

Photographer: Moanalani Jeffrey

The glittery 101^st SF Symphony Opening Gala brought none other than San Francisco’s finest. From the wealthy to the whimsical, this dapper crowd was out to celebrate a night of elegant culture.

The gala, which took place on September 19, 2012, honored the extraordinary philanthropic support of Marcia & John Goldman, as well as Mr. Goldman’s 11-year tenure as SFS President.

Gala celebrations began with a cocktail reception in Davies Symphony Hall for Patrons’ Dinner guests, and a cocktail reception in City Hall for Symphony Supper and Symphonix attendees.  The cocktail reception was followed by a spectacular dinner for each of the three groups.

Following dinner, the sea of tuxedos and show-stopping dresses made their way to Davies Symphony Hall for the Opening Gala concert program, featuring Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas, the San Francisco Symphony and special guest violinist Joshua Bell.  Concert goers were treated to selections from Berlioz’s Romeo and Juliet, Chausson’s Poème and Saint-Saëns’s Introduction and Rondo capriccioso, both for violin and orchestra, and Ravel’s Boléro. 

At 10pm until the early am hours, mixing, mingling and dancing followed at the star-studded gala after-party. Guests swooned over the DJ and live band while enjoying cocktails and delightful desserts.

Proceeds from the Centennial Gala benefit the Orchestra’s myriad artistic, community, and education programs, which provide music education to more than 75,000 Bay Area school children each year.

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