San Francisco: Classical music, opera and dance
Though the San Francisco arts scene has a reputation for provincialism, this is the only city on the west coast to boast its own professional symphony, ballet and opera companies. These companies rely entirely on private contributions for their survival and low-priced tickets are rare, if not nonexistent. Look out in summer for the free concerts in Stern Grove (at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard), where the symphony, opera and ballet give open-air performances for ten successive Sundays (starting in June). Last-minute standing room tickets provide a cheaper option for those on a budget.The San Francisco Opera Association (ticket and schedule information tel 415/864-3330) has been performing in the opulent War Memorial Opera House , 301 Van Ness Ave at Grove, since the building opened in 1932, pulling in big names like Placido Domingo and Kiri Te Kanawa on a regular basis. Its main season runs from the end of September for thirteen weeks, and its opening night is one of the principal social events on the west coast. Also housed here is the San Francisco Ballet (tel 415/865-2000), whose regular season starts in February, while performances of The Nutcracker occur during the Christmas season.
The Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall , 201 Van Ness Ave (tel 415/864-6000), is the permanent home of the San Francisco Symphony, hosting a year-round season of classical music and sometimes performances by other, often offbeat musical and touring groups.
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