San Francisco Symphony Celebrates New Season with Beautiful Black and White Fete

Guests provided the main pops of color at SF Symphony’s season-opening gala on September 25. After the black and white carpet arrivals, guests transitioned into the hall, which had been transformed by McCalls Catering and Events into a sleek and classic space with a gorgeous black and white palette. 

Special guests enjoyed a preconcert VIP party in the Wattis Room and Loge Lobby, while all attendees were treated to sparkling wine, scrumptious bites and musical entertainment by DJ Lady Fingaz in the Davies Symphony Hall lobbies before the concert.

The Orchestra began the opening concert program with Sergei Prokofiev’s “Montagues and Capulets” from Romeo and Juliet. The audience of music lovers was then treated to a stunning performance from superstar pianist Lang Lang, who joined Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Orchestra for Camille Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2. After performing Prokofiev’s “Death of Tybalt” from Romeo and Juliet, Salonen and the Orchestra closed the program with Saint-Saëns’ lighthearted The Carnival of the Animals, featuring Lang Lang and his wife, pianist Gina Alice. Following a standing ovation, Lang Lang and Gina Alice treated the concertgoers to a performance of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 as an encore.

After the concert, attendees continued the celebration with a curated dining experience catered by McCalls, with musical entertainment provided by pianist John Wilson in Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. Proceeds from the Opening Gala directly support the Symphony’s acclaimed education, community and artistic programs, which serve tens of thousands throughout the Bay Area each year.