Day of the Dead Program | Saturday, November 2, 2024
The program starts at 3:00 PM | Activities begin at 1:30 PM
Davis Symphony Hall | 201 Van Ness Avenue | San Francisco

Each year around November 2nd, the San Francisco Symphony honors Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, in a colorful celebration of art and culture. Orquestra musicians adorn their black suits with Flor de Cempasúchil (marigold flowers) or other vibrant decorations, creating a striking visual contrast that captures the spirit of this rich tradition. In this annual musical event, the essence of chamber music interweaves with the vibrant sounds and hues of Mexican and Latin American culture.

Día de los Muertos is an ancient tradition rooted in Mesoamerican beliefs and practices, with a profound focus on honoring loved ones who have passed. This celebration, marked by mysticism, remembrance, and love, is particularly strong in states like Michoacán and Oaxaca, where families and communities come together with offerings of flowers, candles, food, and symbolic items that fill cemeteries and homes. These offerings, often called altars, invite the spirits to return and celebrate in a shared moment of joy and connection, bridging the realms of the living and the dead.

Since the 1970s, Día de los Muertos has become increasingly popular across the San Francisco Bay Area and the United States, as Latino communities find pride in sharing their heritage. Embracing this tradition allows them to display a vital aspect of Mexican culture while engaging people from diverse backgrounds in its universal themes of family, memory, and reverence.

Since 2007, the San Francisco Symphony has expanded the meaning of this tradition with its annual Day of the Dead concert. Each year, Davies Symphony Hall is transformed with elegant Catrinas, traditional Mesoamerican sculptures, and vibrant decorations that create an amazing cultural experience. The heart of the celebration lies within the Symphony’s chamber, where guest Latin American artists join the Symphony in a cross-cultural performance. The Day of the Dead becomes a profound musical experience.

Día de los Muertos 2024 Highlights

Conductor: Carlos Miguel Prieto
Trumpet: Pacho Flores
Cuatro: Hector Molina
Community Performer: Casa Círculo Cultural
San Francisco Symphony

This year, the program at the San Francisco Symphony will be on Saturday, November 2^nd, and they have an exciting lineup. The 2024 celebration will feature prominent Latin American artists who bring their unique voices and styles to the Symphony stage, enhancing the event’s multicultural experience.

In addition to the concert, there will be family-friendly activities, workshops, and a pre-concert reception, providing an engaging experience for all ages. Among a list of cultural surprises, the hall will be adorned with specially designed altars and other installations. Guests will be welcomed by life-sized Catrinas and other characters embodying indigenous culture.

Through this celebration, the San Francisco Symphony offers the Bay Area community a unique opportunity to partake in a beloved tradition, showcasing the depth and beauty of Día de los Muertos and highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and remembrance.

Concert tickets range from $24.50 to $129 and can be purchased online at sfsymphony.org/dia, by calling the box office at 415.864.6000, or by visiting the box office located on Grove St. between Van Ness Ave, and Franklin St. Tickets are 50% off children and young adults under 18.

By Diana Luna, on assignment for Lupitanews.com.