The San Francisco Symphony's holiday season offers an array of concerts for all ages.
The festivities start when vocalist Patti Austin brings the iconic music of Ella Fitzgerald to Davies Symphony Hall on November 30, with conductor Edwin Outwater leading the orchestra. R&B legend Gladys Knight sings her classic hits and holiday songs December 12 and 13 with the orchestra led by Gail Deadrick. Sweet Honey in the Rock brings its soulful a cappella blend of inspiring songs on December 23.
For those who love the classical music associated with the Christmas season, on December 7 and 8 the SF Symphony performs A Classic Christmas, which offers works by some of the greatest composers reflecting on holiday traditions, including Tchaikovsky's Suite from The Nutcracker and selections from Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. The SFS is led by SFS Resident Conductor Christian Reif, and is joined by the Pacific Boychoir.
(Courtesy of SF Symphony)
Other classical music holiday concerts include Holiday Brass featuring members of the SF Symphony brass section led by Edwin Outwater on December 11, and performances of Handel's Messiah December 15–17, conducted by Patrick Dupré Quigley. Also on December 11, the ever-popular presentation of A Merry-Achi Christmas returns, with Mariachi Sol De México de José Hernàndez performing its blend of Mexican and American holiday favorites.
Holiday season film presentations start with Rodgers and Hammerstein at the MoviesDecember 2 and 3, when Tony nominee and vocalist Laura Osnes sings with the Orchestra to film clips from South Pacific, The King and I, Oklahoma! and Carousel on the big screen, and songs from The Sound of Music and Cinderella. The orchestra also performs live along with the classic movie Singin' in the Rain, starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, December 9 and 10.
(Courtesy of SF Symphony)
As always, the Symphony's holiday line-up also includes several programs particularly well-suited for children and families, starting with two Deck the Hall concerts on December 4. The 1982 animated film from Dianne Jackson, The Snowman, plays on the big screen as the Orchestra performs the live score in accompaniment in the Christmas Spectacular concerts December 16-18.A Charlie Brown Christmas—Live! returns December 21–24 with seven performances by the orchestra of Vince Guaraldi's score for this special stage show, with singers, actors, and dancers all bringing Charles Schulz's beloved Peanuts characters and the Christmas classic animated TV special to life. Ruthie Ann Miles sings holiday songs with the orchestra and chorus and joins in a sing-a-long of Christmas carols with the audience.
The Symphony's annual New Year's Event CelebrationDecember 31 is headlined musical theater and television stars Jane Krakowski and Tituss Burgess, both of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and 30 Rock fame. This performance marks the co-stars' first ever full-length concert collaboration together.
Purchase three or more tickets to holiday concerts and receive a 25% discount! Details and complete Holidays with the Symphony lineup at sfsymphony.org/holiday
