SF’s “Civic Symphony” Free Concerts (Oct. 27-June 1)

The San Francisco Civic Music Association presents “Civic Symphony” free concerts from Oct. 27-June 1 at Herbst Theatre!

In 1931 , Mrs. Sigmund Stern created the San Francisco Civic Symphony, with the support of Dr. Josephine Randall, who was the f irst 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

2024 – 2025 SCHEDULE & PROGRAM

Sundays from Oct. 27, 2024 – June 1, 2025 | 3pm-5pm
Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

Sunday, October 27, 2024 – Czech Masters
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PROGRAM:

• Bedřich Smetana — Vltava (Die Moldau)
• Vítězslava Kaprálová — Partita for Piano and String Orchestra, Op. 20
  • Tamila Azadaliyeva, piano
• Antonín Dvořák — Symphony No. 6, Op. 60

Paul Schrage – Music Director

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

Sunday, January 26, 2025 – The Best Things Come in Threes
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PROGRAM:

• Franz Liszt – Hungarian Rhapsody No. 3
• Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 3
  • Paul Schrage, piano
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 3

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

Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Use Your Imagination
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PROGRAM:

• Carl Nielsen – An Imaginary Trip to the Faroe Islands
• Claude Debussy – Trois Nocturnes
• Max Bruch – Scottish Fantasy

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

Sunday, June 1, 2025 – Mahler 1
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PROGRAM:

• Gustav Mahler – Symphony No. 1
• TBA – TBA

Paul Schrage – Music Director
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 2024-2025 calendar of events.