The San Francisco Symphony presented its first-ever Oktoberfest on Tuesday, October 3 at Davies Symphony Hall. Chaired by Libby Leffler Hoaglin with Priscilla B. Geeslin as Honorary Chair, the event began at 6 p.m. with a festive biergarten for VIP ticket-holders. Designed by Blueprint Studios, the Oktoberfest-themed event space featured unlimited beer, a pretzel wall, polka band dance party, and other festivities before and after the concert.
At 7 p.m., Resident Conductor Christian Reif led a concert featuring Bavarian waltzes and polkas, rollicking opera arias, and traditional drinking songs with the San Francisco Symphony and guest vocalists soprano Julie Adams, mezzo-soprano Daniela Mac, baritone Edward nelson, and tenor David Blalock. VIP guests returned to the biergarten post-concert to resume the festive celebration.
As many readers may recall, The San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra (SFSYO) and Wattis Foundation Music Director Christian Reif was interviewed by Bay Crossings last year.
Proceeds from this exciting event support the Symphony’s myriad artistic, community, and education programs. All told, the Symphony’s music education programs serve nearly 100,000 children, students, educators, and families in the Bay Area each year.