Ballet, Symphony & Opera in SF

In the mood for a touch of timeless art and culture during your stay in San Francisco? Look no further. 

Located less than 2 miles from Stanford Court Hotel in Nob Hill, the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center is a beautiful venue that houses the city symphony, opera, globally-renowned modern and classical dance, and more. It’s one of the biggest civic complexes in the nation, covering 7.5 acres of the city’s Civic Center. 

Construction on the city’s performing arts center began in the 1930s. The Beaux-Arts style complex is a designated San Francisco landmark and easily one of the most stunning public buildings in the city.

This enormous complex is where you’ll find the city’s opera and ballet companies, as well as the city’s historic symphony. Want to learn more? Here’s a general guide to these prestigious arts companies in San Francisco. 

San Francisco Ballet

This isn’t an ordinary regional troupe – the city’s ballet company has become recognized as a world-leading company under the direction of Helgi Tómasson. The SF Ballet Company is known for its “adventurous dance,” forward-thinking choreography and very original shows. Productions are remarkable. The ballet season runs January through May, with national tours taking up the summer and fall. The Nutcracker returns every winter, which has been recognized by the New York Times for its unique approach to a story that’s been told a million times. See the upcoming ballet schedule and ticket prices.

San Francisco Opera

The season for San Francisco Opera typically starts in September and runs through late June. One of the company’s flagship events is the annual kick-off event that opens the season: Opera in the Park. The free show opens in Golden Gate Park and welcomes crowds up to 30,000, featuring the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and stars of the upcoming season. See what’s on this opera season. 

San Francisco Symphony

Founded in 1911, the San Francisco Symphony boasts a lot of history and success welcoming legendary composers, musicians and conductors over the years. In the last 26 years, the city’s symphony and symphony chorus has earned Grammy and Emmy awards for their work. Like the opera season, the symphony’s yearly season runs from September through late June. See what’s in store on the symphony’s calendar.

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Planning a trip to San Francisco? Save by booking ahead at Stanford Court Hotel with our advanced booking package. Stanford Court is a boutique hotel located in Nob Hill, close to Chinatown, Union Square, and North Beach.