Composing and conducting are big jobs: composers imagine the music and write it down, and conductors work with orchestras to bring the music to life. But how do they come up with and communicate their ideas, and what inspires their musical talents? Get a glimpse of the diverse backgrounds and creative lives of these musical magicians as the SF Symphony and Resident Conductor Christian Reif explore the music of Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and other great American musical heroes.

Come early and collect stamps for your musical passport, enjoy lobby activities such as the instrument petting zoo, coloring stations, and our conductor photo station. Ticket holders receive free online materials to enhance musical discovery at home.

Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Conductor/Performers
Christian Reif
Conductor and Co-host

Anna Clyne
Co-host

San Francisco Symphony
Program
Bernstein
Candide Overture

Bizet
Aragonaise and Habanera from Carmen Suite

Korngold
Hornpipe from Much Ado About Nothing Suite

Gershwin
Girl Crazy Overture

Mussorgsky (arr. Ravel)
The Hut on Fowls’ Legs from Pictures at an Exhibition

Anna Clyne
Auguries from Abstractions

Ligeti
Allegro vivace from Concert Românesc

Copland
Simple Gifts from Appalachian Spring

Gabriela Lena Frank
Mestizo Waltz

Bernstein
Mambo from Symphonic Dances from West Side Story