Bay Area arts: 8 shows and concerts to catch this weekend

""Opening Night" at the Symphony: It's always a celebration when Yuja Wang is at the San Francisco Symphony, and this week the brilliant pianist returns to help launch the orchestra's 2025-26 season. "Opening Night with Yuja Wang," led by conductor Jaap Van Zweden, has Wang scheduled to play Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1; the program also includes John Adams' high-octane "Short Ride in a Fast Machine," and Respighi's "Pines of Rome." Pre-and Post events round out the evening."

"Flower Piano celebrates a decade: Pianists Sarah Cahill and Regina Myers join forces to mark Flower Piano's 10th anniversary season. Presented by Sunset Piano and Gardens of Golden Gate Park, the outdoor concert features music by Eleanor Alberga, Amy Beach, Terry Riley and others. Details: 11 a.m. Sept. 13; San Francisco Botanical Gardens of the Great Meadow of Golden Gate Park; free with park general admission, but advanced tickets recommended; gggp.org/flowerpiano.org."

"Berkeley Symphony opener: Launching its fall season, Berkeley Symphony welcomes Quebec-based conductor Dina Gilbert leading a program featuring Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, "Eroica." Also featured are cellist Gabriel Cabezas, serving as soloist for Alyssa Weinberg's "Caligo," and Tchaikovsky's "Pezzo Capriccioso." Samy Moussa's "Elysium" completes the program. Details: 4 p.m. Sunday; First Congregational Church of Berkeley; tickets $15-up"

Bay Area classical offerings include the San Francisco Symphony's 2025-26 season opener featuring pianist Yuja Wang with Jaap Van Zweden conducting Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, John Adams' "Short Ride in a Fast Machine," and Respighi's "Pines of Rome," plus pre- and post-concert events. Flower Piano marks its 10th anniversary with pianists Sarah Cahill and Regina Myers performing works by Eleanor Alberga, Amy Beach, Terry Riley and others at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens; the outdoor event is free with park admission and recommends advanced tickets. Berkeley Symphony opens its fall season under Dina Gilbert with Beethoven's Third, Alyssa Weinberg's "Caligo" featuring cellist Gabriel Cabezas, Tchaikovsky's "Pezzo Capriccioso," and Samy Moussa's "Elysium." Dates, times, venues, and ticket ranges are provided for each event.

Read at The Mercury News