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

Sunday, May 17, 2026 - 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*RSVP - donations are accepted

First Baptist Church | 22 Waller Street, San Francisco CA 94102

Free / RSVP

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

The San Francisco Civic Music Association presents “Civic Strings” free concerts from Dec. 14, 2025 – May 17, 2026 at First Baptist Church!

“Civic Strings” concerts – a smaller, string-focused ensemble, especially tailored for players getting reintroduced into classical music. This group is a string orchestra that provides a gentle re-entry into ensemble playing for those who may not have played for many years. Civic Strings per forms music of the baroque and classical period with a focus on string technique for these eras.

Music Director & Conductor – Michelle Maruyama

2025 – 2026 SCHEDULE & PROGRAM

Sundays from Dec. 14, 2025 – May 17, 2026 | 3pm-5pm
First Baptist Church, 22 Waller St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

Sunday, December 14, 2025 – A Nordic Winter
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PROGRAM:

  • Jean Sibelius – Impromptu
  • Antonio Vivaldi – Violin Concerto in A minor, RV 357
    • Michelle Maruyama, violin soloist
  • Antonio Vivaldi, Arranged by Mark Wood – “Vivaldi Rocks” — Wood’s riff on Antonio Vivaldi’s “Winter”
    • Michelle Maruyama, violin soloist
  • Johann Sebastian Bach – 2 Selections from Orchestral Suite No. 3, Air, Gigue
  • Edvard Grieg – 2 Nordic Melodies, Op. 63

Michelle Maruyama – Music Director & Conductor
RSVP | Free Concert – Donations Accepted – Suggested Donation $10 – $20

Sunday, March 1, 2026 – Colors of Spring
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PROGRAM:

  • Paul Basler – Divertimento for String Orchestra
  • Antonio Vivaldi/Max Richter – Spring, from Recomposed, soloist TBA
  • Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga – String Quartet No. 2 in A Major
  •  Servan Nichifor The Doctor’s Fiddle – *possible encore*

Michelle Maruyama – Music Director & Conductor
Free Concert – Donations Accepted – Suggested Donation $10 – $20

Sunday, May 17, 2026 – Adoration
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
PROGRAM:

  • Florence Price – Three Selections: The Deserted Garden, Adoration, A Gay Moment – from Thumbnail Sketches of A Day in the Life of a Washerwoman
  • Georg Philipp Telemann – Viola Concerto in G Major, TWV 51:G9 Lisa Ponton, viola
  • Joseph Haydn – String Quartet in D Major, Op. 20, No. 4

Michelle Maruyama – 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.

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*
*RSVP - donations are accepted
Categories: *Top Pick*, Community, In Person, Live Music, Sponsored
Address: 22 Waller Street, San Francisco CA 94102

Sunday, May 17, 2026

8:00 am   Bay to Breakers 2026 (Everything You Need to Know)  FREE*
*Free to watch, but you should register and pay the fee to run, but most of the course is hardly policed and you can usually enjoy the course for free, though with the shame of knowing you didn't pay.
9:00 am   Mission Yoga’s 25th Anniv. Open House: Free Class Weekend (May 16-17)  FREE*
*Please register and book your classes at www.newmissionyoga.com before coming to class to reserve your spot!
10:00 am   43rd Annual Berkeley “Himalayan Fair” (May 16-17)  FREE*
*Donations encouraged at the door
10:00 am   SF’s Free “Sundays at the Beach” Tai Chi Day (Great Highway)  FREE
10:00 am   SFMOMA’s Hat Party for Matisse Exhibit Opening  $30*
*Free for members, teens (13–18), and children (12 and under); $30 for adults, $25 for seniors (65 and older), and $23 for students with valid ID
10:00 am   “Manny’s Neighborhood Trash Cleanup” w/ $1 Beer & Free Yoga Classes, Free Fries (SF)  FREE*
*Sign up on this TogetherSF Mobilize page: https://www.mobilize.us/togethersf/event/444979/
11:00 am   5th Annual East Bay Makers Market & Car Show 2026 (Richmond)  FREE*
*Free Admission 11:00am - 3:00pm
11:00 am   “Lindy in the Park” Swing Dance Party (Golden Gate Park)  FREE*
*Weather permitting (rain cancels)
11:00 am   Pleasant Hill’s Art, Wine & Music Festival 2026 (May 16-17)  FREE*
*Free admission; food/drinks for purchase
1:00 pm   Golden Gate Park Sunday Roller Disco Party (SF)  FREE
2:00 pm   “Homegrown Pros” World Cup 2026 Celebration: Meet Soccer Stars (San Ramon)  FREE
4:30 pm   Free Reggae in the Park 2026 “Crucial Sundays” (Golden Gate Park)  FREE
6:00 pm   “HellaSecret” Speakeasy Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (Oakland)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP
7:00 pm   FREE: “Hayes Valley Comedy Night” Sunday at The Function (SF)  FREE*
*Exclusive free tickets with Eventbrite RSVP. Otherwise $20-25 at door. Please note like most comedy clubs, there is a two drink minimum per person
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