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

Ring in 2026: Free NYE Orchestra Concert w/ SF Chamber (Berkeley)

Dang! This event has already taken place.
>> Want to see our Top Picks for this week instead?
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 - 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Tickets/RSVP's NOT required but it helps us to know you're planning to come! Supporting Members may enter up to 1 hour before downbeat for first choice seating. General Admission begins at 7:15pm

First Congregational Church (Berkeley) | 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA

Event Details

Always Admission Free…because world class music belongs to EVERYONE! – New Year’s Eve

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/RSVP's NOT required but it helps us to know you're planning to come! Supporting Members may enter up to 1 hour before downbeat for first choice seating. General Admission begins at 7:15pm
Categories: **Annual Event**, *Top Pick*, Christmas, Community, In Person, Kids & Families, Live Music, New Year's Eve
Address: 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA