The San Francisco Symphony’s Día de los Muertos celebration on November 2, 2024, brought together music, art, and community in a vibrant tribute to Mexico’s beloved tradition of honoring ancestors. Now in its 17th year, this annual event at Davies Symphony Hall has become a cherished tradition in San Francisco, blending cultural festivities with symphonic artistry. Curated by Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, this year’s celebration featured striking altars and installations inspired by iconic Mexican artists, including Frida Kahlo, José Guadalupe Posada, and Diego Rivera. Set against a colorful backdrop of traditional ofrendas—altars honoring the deceased—these visual displays offered guests a sense of reverence and joy, inviting them to honor those who have passed while celebrating life.
The pre-concert festivities kicked off at 1:30 PM, welcoming families into a transformed Davies Hall filled with Día de los Muertos traditions. Live catrinas and catrines from Casa Círculo Cultural wandered through the lobbies, adding authenticity and energy to the event, while children and adults alike participated in hands-on activities, such as sugar skull decorating, tissue-flower making, and a Mariachi instrument petting zoo. These family-friendly stations set a joyful tone and offered attendees a chance to explore the cultural richness of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos celebrations.
As the concert began, conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto took the stage, leading the San Francisco Symphony in a thoughtfully curated program highlighting the work of Latin American composers who celebrate their heritage through music. The performance opened with Carlos Chávez’s Symphony No. 2, “Sinfonía india,” a powerful piece drawing on indigenous melodies and rhythms that evoke the landscapes and spirit of Mexico’s indigenous communities. The concert continued with Gabriela Ortiz’s Antrópolis, inspired by the sounds and energy of Mexico City’s vibrant nightlife, making its San Francisco Symphony debut.
A highlight of the concert was Paquito D’Rivera’s Concerto Venezolano, performed by Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores and cuatro player Héctor Molina. D’Rivera’s piece, composed specifically for Flores, delivered a dynamic mix of jazz, classical, and folk influences, capturing the spirit of Latin America with passion and playfulness. The concert also featured Juan Pablo Contreras’ Mariachitlán, which evokes the sounds and scenes of a mariachi town, as well as José Pablo Moncayo’s Huapango, a celebratory piece rooted in the traditional folk music of Veracruz. Dancers from Casa Círculo Cultural accompanied the orchestra throughout the concert, turning the performance into a true multimedia experience, complete with a living mural inspired by Diego Rivera’s famous artwork Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central.
The evening continued with ¡Fiesta! Día de los Muertos, a lively fundraiser chaired by Sharon Seto and held in the War Memorial Green Room to benefit the Symphony’s educational and community initiatives. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception featuring mezcal tastings by Salvadores Mezcal, followed by a festive dinner catered by San Francisco’s beloved Tropisueño restaurant. The fundraiser brought together members of the community and Symphony supporters in a celebration of both culture and giving, with all proceeds supporting the Symphony’s outreach programs that bring music education to students and expand community engagement.
The San Francisco Symphony’s Día de los Muertos celebration has evolved over the years into more than just a concert; it’s a dynamic, immersive experience that bridges cultures and generations. By collaborating with local artists, dancers, and cultural organizations, the Symphony offers a space where San Francisco’s diverse community can come together to honor tradition and create new memories. The 2024 celebration was a testament to the Symphony’s commitment to cultural inclusivity and artistic expression, inviting guests to honor the past while celebrating life through music, art, and community.
Photo credits: Pre-concert reception and concert photos courtesy of Christopher M. Howard. Fiesta dinner and cocktail reception photos courtesy of Stefan Cohen.