San Francisco Symphony: The Golden Age of Cinema at Frost Amphitheater

Since 1911, the San Francisco Symphony has entertained music lovers in North America. Back then, the orchestra was led by composer Henry Hadley. The conductor led an ensemble of 60 musicians, and together, they performed numerous classics, such as compositions from Wilhelm Richard Wagner, Franz Joseph Haydn, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Franz Liszt, and more. By 1915, the Symphony changed directors, with Alfred Hertz replacing Hadley.

During the Great Depression, the Symphony experienced an impending bankruptcy. However, the people of San Francisco banded together to help with the financing. Pierre Monteux was hired to lead the orchestra until 1964. Over the years, the orchestra has brought many accomplished music directors, including Josef Krips, Seiji Ozawa, Herbert Blomstedt, and Michael Tilson Thomas. In 2018, the symphony brought in its current director, Esa-Pekka Salonen, who performed as guest conductor in 2004, 2012, and 2015.

This 2023, Salonen aims to deliver a fully-packed season. The year will feature special series, such as Signature Salonen, the California Festival, New Conceptions, Inspirations, Epic Expressions, and Selections from Choice Classics. The symphony will perform a wide range of compositions and genres and feature guest performers.

On Friday, 21st July 2023, the San Francisco will deliver the music that made fan-favorite films. The Golden Age of Cinema includes the theme from The Magnificent Seven – composed by Elmer Berstein, the Cello Concerto, Opus 37 by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, by Deception, and Symphonic Suite by Leonard Berstein for the film On the Waterfront. If you’re looking for some action and suspense, the concert will also feature The Murder and Vertigo by Bernard Herrmann for the films Psycho and Suite. Moreover, the famous theme song from Jaws, composed by John Williams, will also intensify the air.

If you’re looking for some romance, the compositions of Milos Rozsa from the film Ben-hur will also be performed at this once-in-a-lifetime event. Lastly, take a trip to outer space with the unforgettable Flying Theme from the beloved science fiction film E.T.

Catch these amazing compositions as the San Francisco Symphony brings them to life at the Frost Amphitheatre! Tickets are now available!