The San Francisco Symphony Reimagines Its Opening Night Gala

Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen led the sold-out evening with performances by pianists Lang Lang and his wife, Gina Alice Redlinger

Words by CATHERINE BIGELOW
Photography by DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

Amid a post-pandemic world, arts and cultural organizations continue to adjust to the numerous pivots they adroitly attempted during our lockdown nightmare.

This new math plays out against a backdrop of audience and funding in determining budgets, concert formats, and diversity. And the renowned San Francisco Symphony — a crown jewel of the city’s arts scene — has experienced more than its share of artistic woes: In March, SFS maestro Esa-Pekka Salonen dramatically announced his exit following the 2024–25 season. Last month, just days before the season opener, union members of the Symphony Chorus went on a brief strike to protest expired contract issues.

However, world-class music does soothe the savage breast, and revelers on Wednesday, September 25, rallied at Davies Hall, where they celebrated the Symphony’s 113th opening night gala. Led by committee members Symphony Chair Priscilla Geeslin, Jeff Bharkhda, Tiffany Chang, and Trine Sorensen, the traditional red-carpet format was reimagined. A more streamlined affair defined a pre-concert klatch where deep-pocketed donors convened for cocktails and canapés in the hall’s Wattis Room and Loge Lobby, featuring grooves by DJ Lady Fingaz.

Guests donned an array of vestments, including tuxedos and voluminous gowns. The official gala invite advised “Cocktail Attire,” and dynamo Dede Wilsey — a major arts philanthropist and fashion icon whose closet is rife with couture costumes — paid heed in a knee-length purple sequined dress and shrug. But said raiments achieve an otherworldly echelon when smartly accessorized by Wilsey’s shimmering parure of amethysts.

The sold-out concert, led by Salonen, featured a program starring superstar pianist Lang Lang with his wife and fellow pianist, Gina Alice Redlinger, both of whom dazzled the sold-out house with works by Prokofiev and Saint-Saëns.

Among fans: former Symphony President Sako Fisher, her husband Bill Fisher and their daughter, Remy Wilkinson, with their fashion friend, designer Zac Posen, who was appointed in February to the Fisher-founded Gap, Inc. as EVP, Creative Director and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy; Symphony CEO Matthew Spivey; SF Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock and Board President Jack Calhoun, with his husband, Trent Norris; gala sponsors Nellie Levchin and her husband, Symphony trustee Max Levchin; arts philanthropists Barbro and Bernard Osher and Symphony trustee Jerome Guillen with his husband, Jeremy Gallaher.

A post-concert dinner for 410 super-supporters followed in Zellerbach Hall. McCalls Catering and Events, with dramatic Got Light illuminations, transformed the black box rehearsal space into an elegant supper club (also starring a delectable McCalls menu) with entertainment by pianist John Wilson.

This gala is crucial for the Symphony, representing one of its largest fundraisers to support the organization’s acclaimed artistic, community, and free education programs, which serve some 50,000 San Francisco public elementary school students.

“This has been a challenging time, but I am optimistic because of your hard work, advocacy, and generosity that helps the Symphony touch so many lives,” Geeslin said. “Your presence here tonight demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the Symphony continues to thrive and reach thousands of people throughout the Bay Area, and around the world, with the life-changing power of music.”