Home » **Annual Event**, *Top Pick*, Community, In Person, Kids & Families, Live Music, New Year's Day

Free SF Chamber Orchestra Concert on New Year’s Day (Palo Alto)

Always Admission Free…because world class music belongs to EVERYONE!

These concerts are in Memory of SFCO Founder, Edgar Braun and Ida Braun

Program

Louise Farrenc – Symphony No. 3, mvt. 4

Niccolò Paganini– Violin Concerto, mvt. 1
Lisa Saito – Debut Artist

Beethoven – Symphony No. 7

Ring in the New Year with the SFCO and the exuberant music of three ground-breaking composers. Louise Farrenc was a concert pianist and composer who fought for women’s rights and would become the only female professor at the famed Paris Conservatoire during the 19th century. Her Symphony in G Minor sizzles with energy and drama.

Rarely has there been a virtuosic performer that forever changed the direction of their instrument’s technique, as completely as Niccolò Paganini. Paganini’s virtuosity was astounding – legends surrounding his persona were numerous as many speculated that he must have made a pact with the devil himself to have been granted such talent. His 1st violin concerto will be performed by the amazing 14-year-old violinist, Lisa Saito.

Our program concludes with music by a composer who would change the trajectory of classical music itself. Ludwig van Beethoven was the embodiment of the Revolutionary Artist, creating a seismic shift in the power and emotional drama of our repertoire. The 7th Symphony is as joyful and exuberant as any piece he would write – an affirmation of life, and a perfect way to lift our spirits into the new year.

Tickets are not required but it helps us to know you’re coming!

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE*
*Tickets/RSVPs NOT required but it helps us to know you're planning to come. Supporting Members may enter up to an hour before downbeat for first choice seating. General Admission begins at 2:45pm.
Categories: **Annual Event**, *Top Pick*, Community, In Person, Kids & Families, Live Music, New Year's Day
Venue: First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto
Address: 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto

Thursday, January 1, 2026

7:30 am   Free Admission Day at SF Botanical Garden for New Year’s Day 2026  FREE*
*Free on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and daily from 7:30-9 am
All Day   SF’s 12 ft. Tall “Sugar Castle” at the Westin St. Francis (Nov. 26-Jan. 2)  FREE
All Day   SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Session at Union Square (New Year’s Day)  $22
10:00 am   Free First Thursdays at SF’s Museum of Craft and Design  FREE*
*Free Admission every First Thursday
10:00 am   13th Annual “First Day” Hike at Jack London Stat Park (North Bay)  $15*
*$15 plus $10 per vehicle park entry fee
11:00 am   Cancelled: Free First Thursdays at Berkeley Art Museum  FREE*
*Free admission to galleries. Film programs are excluded. No advanced tickets required, but subject to capacity limits
11:00 am   San Jose’s New Year’s Day “Skate Under the Palms” Ice Skating  $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
12:00 pm   SFMOMA’s “Free First Thursdays” Free Museum Day for Locals  FREE*
*Residents of the nine Bay Area counties are invited to spend a day at the museum on us
12:00 pm   New Year’s (& Final) Day at San Jose’s “Christmas in the Park”  FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
1:00 pm   Free New Year’s Day 2026 Huge Sand Art-Making at Ocean Beach (SF)  FREE*
*Open to all
4:30 pm   New Year’s Day at Oakland Zoo’s “Glowfari” 2025 Lights Festival  $30.75*
*Adult admission tickets start at $30.75; The Zoo is using dynamic pricing, so ticket prices will vary based on date and time and purchase date. Buy early. Tickets do sell out in advance.
5:00 pm   SF’s Epic “Photosynthesis” Light Show | Conservatory of Flowers  FREE*
*Free to watch from outside the building.
5:00 pm   PIER 39’s Dazzling 60′ Tree Lighting Show (New Year’s Day)  FREE
5:00 pm   New Year’s Day at “Lightscape”: Immersive Holiday Light Trail  $32*
*Adult tix start at $32
6:00 pm   SF’s 2025 Macy’s Union Square Great Christmas Tree (Final Night)  FREE
6:00 pm   Lower Polk / TL Art Walk | Trendyloin  FREE
9:00 pm   16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)  FREE*
*Absolutely free for all!
9:00 pm   Every Thursday: “Inner Circle” Dance Party at White Rabbit (SF)  FREE*
*Inner Circle is always Free with RSVP
9:30 pm   Sadderday: An Emo/Pop-Punk/Screamo Dance Party | SF  FREE
< Wednesday, December 31 Friday, January 2 >