“Classical music came first. It has been a constant throughout the city’s history. And when San Francisco was reborn into a world-class city, it was classical music that led the way.” – Peter Hartlaub, Culture Critic
San Francisco’s love affair with classical music runs deep, rooted in the city’s rebirth after the devastating 1906 earthquake. In the rubble of that tragedy, civic leaders saw the arts—especially classical music—as essential to rebuilding a vibrant cultural identity, leading to the founding of the San Francisco Symphony in 1911. That same spirit of renewal also laid the groundwork for San Francisco’s jazz scene, as the city welcomed waves of new people and ideas. Therefore, San Francisco has some of the best classical music venues in the country!
Best classical music venues in San Francisco
Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall
Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, the architectural crown jewel of San Francisco’s Civic Center, is the magnificent home of the San Francisco Symphony. Opened in 1980 and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with Pietro Belluschi, the hall seamlessly blends modern elegance with its historic surroundings. Inside its sweeping glass façade lies a 2,743-seat auditorium renowned for its acoustical brilliance, enhanced by adjustable sound reflectors and one of North America’s largest concert organs.
📍201 Van Ness Ave, CA 94102
Herbst Theatre
Herbst Theatre sits within San Francisco’s historic War Memorial Veterans Building. First opened in 1915 and later renamed in tribute to the Herbst brothers, the theatre captivates with its Beaux-Arts murals by Frank Brangwyn, a gilded ceiling, and glittering chandeliers that lend a timeless grandeur to its 892-seat auditorium.
📍401 Van Ness Ave, CA 94102
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) is where musical excellence meets bold innovation. Founded in 1917, it has shaped generations of legendary artists and remains a dynamic force in music education. Its stunning campus near the Civic Center, including the cutting-edge Bowes Center with panoramic city views, hosts frequent public performances by gifted students, renowned faculty, and international guests.
📍50 Oak St, CA 94102
Old First Concerts
Now, this place is a little different. Old First Concerts is a beloved San Francisco concert series founded in 1970, celebrated for its adventurous programming and deep community roots. Held in the acoustically superb and historic Old First Church—a welcoming, inclusive space with a legacy of social activism—the series presents around 50 concerts annually, featuring classical, jazz, world music, and new works by emerging composers. Tickets are low-cost too!
📍1751 Sacramento St, CA 94109
Great Star Theater
San Francisco’s historic Great Star Theater is an atmospheric 1925 gem in Chinatown and it’s absolutely stunning, with an iconic edifice. There, audiences are treated to unforgettable classical performances as the venue’s intimate setting and vintage charm create a warm, reverent space where every note feels personal and profound. These magical evenings come to life through the acclaimed Candlelight concerts, which have become a beloved part of the city’s cultural landscape.
📍636 Jackson St, CA 94133
Best classical music festivals in San Francisco
Bay PianoFest & San Francisco International Piano Competition
This fantastic festival is a 10-day celebration of piano excellence, featuring world-class concerts, masterclasses, lectures, and the finals of an international competition with prizes! With top faculty from Juilliard, Yale, and beyond, it draws talented pianists from around the globe and offers a dynamic, welcoming space for learning, performing, and connecting. Whether you’re a pianist or a passionate listener, it’s a summer highlight in San Francisco’s music scene.
📍San Francisco Conservatory of Music
📅August 4–13, 2025
Mainly Mozart Festival
The Mainly Mozart Festival is a summer event that brings together the largest gathering of concertmasters and principal players in North America, including talent from the San Francisco Symphony. Held each June in Southern California, the festival blends outdoor charm with world-class performances of Mozart, Beethoven, Stravinsky, and more. Led by Music Director Michael Francis, it features top soloists and adventurous programming in venues like The Conrad and Epstein Family Amphitheater.
📍Various locations
📅June
San Francisco Symphony Summer Season
The San Francisco Symphony Summer Season offers a sunny blend of classical masterworks, film concerts, pops performances, and outdoor events at venues like Davies Symphony Hall, Stern Grove, and the Frost and Shoreline Amphitheatres. There’s always something to see… and hear!