My love affair with the San Francisco Symphony began at age 13, when I was a floppy-haired greasy violinist with the Sacramento Youth Symphony. We field tripped to watch them rehearse with Michael Tilson Thomas, who felt like more than just a conductor. He made musicians at the top of their game feel accessible - like they were our peers rather than distant icons.
The symphony of today still carries that same magic and almost-familial experience from childhood, even though the reality has some tense undertones. Thomas exited a bit ago, and their new director is not here for the long haul; there's also ongoing salary concerns alongside talks on updating Davies.
As tuxedos and gowns swept through the entrance of Davies Symphony Hall, the vibe inside felt just a bit muted from clothes to conversation, with topics hanging in the air but going unspoken. The hot pink carpet from 2023 was now black-and-white and relocated to the staircase.
For me these events are nothing without fancy peers who likewise enjoy an escape like this, and I'm still reminded of the importance of queer representation at society galas.
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