SF’s “Civic Symphony” Free Concerts (2025/26)

San Francisco Civic Music Association

The San Francisco Civic Music Association presents “Civic Symphony” free concerts from Nov. 2, 2025-June 7, 2026 at Herbst Theatre!

In 1931, Mrs. Sigmund Stern created the San Francisco Civic Symphony, with the support of Dr. Josephine Randall, who was the first director of the San Francisco Recreation Department. The symphony today is the oldest community orchestra on the West Coast. Since 2002, the symphony has functioned as an all-volunteer orchestra, managed by the members of the orchestra and volunteer supporters.

Music Director & Conductor – Paul Schrage

2025 – 2026 SCHEDULE & PROGRAM

Sundays from Nov. 2, 2025-June 7, 2026 | 3pm-5pm
Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

Sunday, November 2, 2025 – Spinning Stories
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PROGRAM:

• Richard Strauss – Don Juan
• Maurice Ravel – Sheherazade
  • Madison Hatten, vocalist
    
• Robert Schumann – Symphony No. 3

Paul Schrage – Music Director & Conductor

RSVP | Free Concert – Donations Accepted – Suggested Donation $10 – $20

Sunday, January 18, 2026 – Tchaikovsky
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PROGRAM:

• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Violin Concerto, op. 35
  • In Sun Jang, violin soloist
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 6
  • Hrabba Atladottir, violin soloist

Paul Schrage – Music Director & Conductor
Free Concert – Donations Accepted – Suggested Donation $10 – $20

Sunday, March 22, 2026 – The American Sound
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PROGRAM:

• Scott Joplin – Treemonisha Overture
• Charles Ives/arrang. Schuman – Variations on America
• George Gershwin – Piano Concerto
• Daniel Glover, piano soloist
• Florence Price – The Oak
• Aaron Copland – John Henry
• Louis Moreau Gottschalk – Symphony 1

Paul Schrage – Music Director & Conductor
Free Concert – Donations Accepted – Suggested Donation $10 – $20

Sunday, June 7, 2025 – The Planets
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PROGRAM:

• *Opening work TBD
• Gustav Holst – The Planets

Paul Schrage – Music Director & Conductor
Free Concert – Donations Accepted – Suggested Donation $10 – $20

About San Francisco Civic Music Association

San Francisco Civic Music Association is an independent, non profit organization founded by members of the San Francisco Civic Symphony. The Association’s mission is to offer free concerts to the community and to provide a place where musicians of all levels can learn and perform. Our operations are paid for by donations from our musicians, listeners, and supporters.

SFCMA also provides free workshops during the summer for adults looking to improve their musicianship.

See their full 2025-2026 calendar of events.