San Francisco Chamber Orchestra

Led for the past 20 seasons by dynamic music director Benjamin Simon, the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra is a tightly-knit ensemble comprised of the best musicians in the Bay Area. Combining excellence with accessibility, our full season of over 36 performances is admission-free, presenting classical, contemporary, and commissioned works to audiences of all ages and backgrounds around the Bay Area. Our MainStage Concerts, performed in major venues in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Palo Alto, feature our full orchestra (up to 36 players) and world-class soloists in creative programs designed to appeal to seasoned concertgoers as well as those new to classical music. Interactive musical demonstrations during the concert provide opportunities to deepen one’s knowledge and experience the music more fully. Equally dedicated to educating the next generation of music lovers, the SFCO presents 45-minute Family Concerts and 20-minute Very First Concerts in churches, community centers and libraries in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Mateo, and Burlingame. Experience the intimacy of a great chamber orchestra—thrill to the work of great composers from Baroque to brand-new—enjoy our relaxed atmosphere and seeing musicians who are clearly enjoying themselves—wear your blue jeans or your pearls, and clap whenever you want to! We’re different because we believe classical music is exciting, vibrant, and fun.