In response to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in January, the Musicians of the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony (SFS), and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), are teaming up to present SF Musicians for LA: A Benefit for Fire Relief on Saturday, March 8, at 7:30pm at Davies Symphony Hall. 

Under the direction of Edwin Outwater this concert will feature musicians from the SFS and its Chorus as well as members of the SFCM Orchestra, and SFCM faculty member Garrick Ohlsson, joining together to perform this benefit concert supporting those affected by the fires. 

Net proceeds from all ticket sales will be donated and split evenly between two vital organizations providing essential relief services: Entertainment Community Fund and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles: ReBUILD LA. 

Tickets, priced $50–200, are on sale now at sfsymphony.org; student tickets available for $25. You can also make a donation online today. 

“The San Francisco Symphony is one of the great orchestras in the world and this gesture by the musicians reminds us of why artists are so vital to our community,” said SFCM President David H. Stull. “Music is uniquely capable of surrounding us with beauty in our darkest moments, and the combination of providing direct financial support for our colleagues in Los Angeles while offering an unmatched opportunity for our students makes this an event not to be missed. It is a moment of pride for our City and an opportunity to serve those in need. We are honored to be a part of it.”

“The devastation wrought by the fires in Los Angeles has been heart-wrenching to watch and we want to do our part to support our neighbors in their time of need. Music has the power to heal and bring people together, and we hope this benefit concert not only raises funds to support relief efforts but also demonstrates our solidarity with those affected. We are honored to contribute our artistry to this cause, and we look forward to working with the Conservatory, the Symphony, and the people of San Francisco to show our support for Los Angeles,” said the Musicians of the San Francisco Symphony.

“My first school and my earliest childhood memories are of the Pacific Palisades, and now so many of those places are gone,’ Music Director Outwater said. “It was heartbreaking to watch the fires from afar, but I can't imagine what so many of my fellow Angelenos are going through right now. Music has the power to heal and gather people together, and I'm honored to be conducting this concert to help our fellow Californians rebuild their houses and lives."

The program opens with Aaron Copland’s uplifting “The Promise of Living," from the opera The Tender Land, which celebrates community and thanksgiving, performed by the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus. Pianist Ohlsson performs Sergei Rachmaninoff’s deeply expressive Piano Concerto No. 2, and Outwater, the Orchestra, and SFCM musicians close the concert with Antonín Dvořák’s popular Symphony No. 9, From the New World. Written during the composer’s sojourn in the United States, the Symphony reflects his deep interest in American music.  

“It has been heartbreaking to witness the ongoing devastation in Los Angeles caused by the wildfires across the region,” said San Francisco Symphony Chief Executive Officer Matthew Spivey. “Many of us have friends, family, and colleagues in the area who have been deeply affected, and we recognize the magnitude of the challenge ahead as they seek to heal and rebuild. We are grateful to the members of our Orchestra, Chorus, and staff; our partners at the SF Conservatory of Music; and to longtime friends of the Symphony, Edwin Outwater and Garrick Ohlsson, for joining together to raise critical funds through this concert. We look forward to gathering with our San Francisco community on March 8 to send a strong message of support to our friends and colleagues in Los Angeles through musical performance.”

Tickets for SF Musicians for LA: A Benefit for Fire Relief on Saturday, March 8, at 7:30pm at Davies Symphony Hall are available now.