On September 5, the Opening Night Gala marked the start of the San Francisco Symphony’s 24th season. The gala is always a fantastic way to kick off the symphonic season, full of stunning fashion and brilliant music. The event brings together some of San Francisco’s most influential people with the beautiful backdrop of Davies Symphony Hall.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 5 – James Hormel, Sakurako Fisher and Michael Nguyen-Hormel attend San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 5th 2018 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Drew Altizer)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 5 – Concert attends San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 5th 2018 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Drew Altizer)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 5 – Concert attends San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 5th 2018 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Drew Altizer)
The music was especially lively this year. Michael Tilson Thomas and the SF Symphony performed with vivacity, treating the audience to renditions of J.S. Bach’s Concerto No.3, George Gershwin’s Cuban Overture and An American in Paris, and many more. Each piece demonstrated the symphony’s skill and range: from skittish, whimsical tones of the Mephisto Waltz to the heartbreakingly gentle feel in the Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso to the excellent portrayal of the methodical madness that is city life in An American in Paris, the SF Symphony was impressive. But the real treat was to have renown violinist Itzhak Perlman join the concert this year. Despite needing a scooter and crunches to move around, Perlman seemed to make it a point to climb up to his own personal platform and plop himself down into his chair. And once he was settled and given his violin, his dexterity and musical prowess was as sharp as ever. He made the night one to remember.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 5 – Komal Shah attends San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 5th 2018 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Drew Altizer)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 5 – George Shultz and Charlotte Shultz attend San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 5th 2018 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Natalie Schrik for Drew Altizer Photography)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 5 – Karen Caldwell attends San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 5th 2018 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – JESSICA MONROY for Drew Altizer Photography)
Maryam Muduraoglu, Nazan Orr (Photo by Cianna Allen)
Eji Ojo (Photo by Jessica Celine Ty)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 5 – Camille Bently attends San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 5th 2018 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Drew Altizer)
Larisa Johnson (Photo by Jessica Celine Ty)
Elizabeth Perez (Photo by Jessica Celine Ty)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 5 – Tanya Powell attends San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 5th 2018 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Jana Asenbrennerova for Drew Altizer Photography)
As usual, the fashion was incredible. From gowns dripping in sparkles to dresses covered in florals, the glamorous attire definitely didn’t disappoint! It was such a fun event to be able to attend, from the opening reception all the way through to the after party. The after party was opulent, filled with impressionistic floral designs and decor adorned in lavish colors like gold and rose gold. Yet, the extravagant-looking party maintained an easy-going attitude with modern pop songs filling the air and offerings of delicious donuts, ice cream, and more.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 5 – Mena Ochuko, Mimi Chan, Mira Veda and Margot Edelman attend San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 5th 2018 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Andrew Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography)
Jane Kim, Jessica Celine Ty
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 5 – Mira Veda, Cianna Allen and Jessica Ty attend San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 5th 2018 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Ian Chin for Drew Altizer Photography)
This gala is considered one of San Francisco’s most anticipated events of the year, and I can absolutely tell why. Despite the formality of the event, the environment was warm and lively, and the upbeat spirits of the attendees seemed to create positive vibes throughout the evening.
It was a night to remember, and Lipstick & Politics is so thrilled that we were able to partake in this musical and magical event!
By: Cianna Allen, Jessica Celine Ty