Heres J.
Yelp
Superb. Sublime. Amazing. The world-class SF Symphony is truly a shining jewel in San Francisco's crown. Terrific, inventive repertoire. A concert might include a classical favorite, combined with newer or less-heard pieces (including frequent premiers and really outstanding work from younger composers such as Mason Bates), so you can get your Beethoven or Mozart or Haydn fix and still hear something you would not have been exposed to ordinarily and have a wonderful experience overall.
My worst night at the symphony was merely excellent, while the best nights are mind-blowingly great. The symphony's new music director/principal conductor Esa Pekka Salonen is every bit as worthy a successor to Michael Tilson Thomas as Mr. Thomas was to Herbert Blomstedt before him (who's still conducting at 94, by the way, and killing it).
One of the things that makes the symphony so great is the quality of not only our current and past music directors and the repertoire, but also the top conductors and soloists from around the world who play here regularly, knowing that SFS is as good as any orchestra anywhere and that they'll get an appreciative audience.
Kudos also to the wonderful staff. Everyone, from the folks at the door to the ushers and the house manager, are unfailingly pleasant, friendly, and helpful. Plus, the operation is thoroughly professional, e.g., they don't allow late seating; if you're late, you have to wait. Plan ahead!
My only gripes are with audience members who ... 1) dress as though they were on their way to slop the hogs and somehow went insane en route and mistook Davies Symphony Hall for the Grand Ol' Opry and decided to stop by. Would it kill you to wear a reasonable, button-down shirt? I saw a woman wearing -- God help us -- Crocks at the symphony recently. If I were in charge of making the laws, this would be a jailable offense ... or 2) simply cannot wait one minute longer to check their texts. If this is you, why do you go to the symphony? Did your girlfriend make you go even though she knows you hate classical music? Grow a pair, and tell her you'd rather stay home and text until your head explodes. Or go to a support group and work on your addiction; clearly you have a problem.
That unpleasantness aside, the venue itself is beautiful, modern, and elegant, and the other patrons are pleasant and friendly. The snacks and drink service people are fast and efficient during intermission, and it's fun to stroll through the lobby or hang out by the front windows. I always enjoy evenings out at Davies Symphony Hall. It feels good just being there. Bravo, SF Symphony!