The SF Symphony has served our community for more than a century. We exist to connect our artists and audiences through the extraordinary art form of orchestral music. What our performers do onstage is most meaningful when it stimulates connection with robust and engaged audiences.
At the San Francisco Symphony, we believe in the power of music to inspire, to unite, and to transform lives. We strive to be a beacon of artistic greatness and innovation—a symphony that reflects the spirit of our city: bold, diverse, and endlessly creative.
We are committed to reimagining the concert experience for the 21st century, championing new voices, embracing cutting-edge collaborations, and making the beauty and relevance of symphonic music accessible to all. Through performances that move the soul and programs that engage the mind, we aim to deepen human connection and spark a lifelong love of music.
Together—with our musicians, our audiences, and our supporters—we are shaping the future of orchestral music, building a vibrant cultural legacy for San Francisco and the world.
INNOVATE
The San Francisco Symphony pushes the boundaries of the art form by embracing curiosity, creativity, progress, and evolution to create orchestral experiences that have not existed before.
COLLABORATE
The San Francisco Symphony leverages the flexibility and collaborative nature of the symphony orchestra to be versatile and generous partners in creating unique and engaging experiences that would not be possible on our own.
INSPIRE LEARNING
The San Francisco Symphony offers the Bay Area’s children, students, families, and community accessible opportunities for learning that foster understanding and appreciation for the artform and provide training for young and early career musicians.
REFLECT THE BAY AREA
The San Francisco Symphony’s identity is shaped by the concentric circles of San Francisco, the Bay Area, California, the West Coast, and the United States. We are a product of our environment, and we serve the audiences, patrons, artists, and residents of our home while sharing the spirit of our identity throughout the world.
HONOR OUR LEGACY
As stewards of our art form and a home for exceptional artists, the San Francisco Symphony continuously celebrates and builds on our orchestra’s legacy and reputation for excellence and creativity.
In order to enable our future, we must build a sustainable foundation. Our tactical approach to strengthening the Symphony stems from four strategic pillars.
ARTISTIC GROWTH
Strengthen and build support for the Symphony’s creative vision. Deepen our understanding of our artists and audiences, develop programming that reflects our artistic vision, and build a partnership with a new Music Director who embodies the qualities most important to our constituents.
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Attract larger audiences that attend more concerts more often. Learn more about our community, communicate effectively, create experiences tailored to patron preferences, and build broad brand awareness
DONOR PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT
Increase our engagement with patrons to deepen loyalty and investment in the Symphony. Identify and attract new donors, guide patrons toward deeper philanthropic relationships, enhance donor engagement, and build philanthropic awareness.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTH AND STABILITY
Build internal alignment around shared values to strengthen organizational culture, build awareness of broader community impact and strengthen brand perception, and explore and pursue new revenue sources to develop the business model.
