San Francisco Civic Music Association has several performance ensembles that allow many musicians to take part! Each group has a different focus and schedule, and instrument needs may vary by ensemble and set.
All groups, except An Afternoon of Chamber Music are open to all interested musicians, as space and instrumentation allows. There are no auditions. To get the most out of your experience, we ask that you choose a group based on your skill and comfort level.
The Association currently operates the following ensembles and programs:
SAN FRANCISCO CIVIC SYMPHONY (SFCS)
San Francisco Civic Symphony (SFCS) is the oldest ensemble in the Association and typically performs pieces scored for a large orchestra. SFCS is an ensemble for musicians comfortable performing larger works of varying complexity and difficulty. The SF Civic Symphony performs at least four concerts per year and rehearses on Wednesday evenings.
SFCS does not have auditions, but openings on some instruments may be limited.
Coordinator: Wenqi Shao
Music Director and Conductor: Paul Schrage
This group performs four times a season at Herbst Theatre.
Upcoming Performance Dates:
Oct. 18, 2026 / Feb. 7, 2027 / Apr. 18, 2027 / Jun. 13, 2027
MOZART TO MENDELSSOHN (M2M)
Mozart to Mendelssohn (M2M) is the Association's second full orchestra, and was formed in 2014 to accommodate the growing number of musicians who wanted the experience of performing large orchestral works. M2M is a unique ensemble, championing music written between 1756-1847, while also programming music beyond that time that references the "M2M" period of history. We highlight the importance and influence of the music from that time period on later composers, giving our audiences a rare and important understanding of music history. M2M performs at least four concerts per year and rehearses on Thursday evenings.
M2M does not have auditions, but openings on some instruments may be limited.
Coordinator: Kat Feller
Music Director and Conductor: John Kendall Bailey
This group performs four times a season at Herbst Theatre.
Upcoming Performance Dates:
Nov. 15, 2026 / Feb. 28, 2027 / Apr. 25, 2027 / Jun. 20, 2027
CIVIC STRINGS
Civic Strings is a string orchestra performing a diverse selection of music, often adapting repertoire from the revered canons to modern arrangements. The ensemble’s focus is on string playing and ensemble awareness. Civic Strings performs both with and without a conductor. Musicians who play in this group come with a range of skills and will benefit in building string technique as a means to growing their musicianship, listening skills and orchestral playing.
For those who have some experience performing in a group, this is a wonderful opportunity to apply those skills and build on their ensemble playing. For string players who are new or returning to playing, this is a great group to re-enter ensemble playing and ignite their music skills in a supportive setting among fellow string musicians.
Coordinator: Ben Perry-Thistle
Music Director and Conductor: Michelle Maruyama
This group performs three times a season at First Baptist Church.
Upcoming Performance Dates:
Nov. 1, 2026 / Mar. 7, 2027 / May 23, 2027
SF Civic Summer Workshop
SF Civic Summer Workshop is the Association’s third full orchestra and the only active group in July and August. The Summer Workshop especially welcomes musicians who are new to the SFCMA. It’s a great way for players at all levels of ability to work their way back into orchestral playing. Music features a comprehensive repertoire of varying complexity and difficulty, while often including pieces that are new and from local composers.
Auditions are not required, but openings on some instruments may be limited. Rehearsals are on Mondays with one end-of-summer performance.
Coordinator: Madison Burrus
Music Director and Conductor: Arun Saigal
This group performs in the summer at Herbst Theatre.
Upcoming Performance Date:
Summer 2027
COMMUNITY NIGHTS
Community Nights are casual gatherings where musicians come together to read through 1-2 pieces of chamber music. Each Community Night features different repertoire, announced about a week in advance. Community Nights are the perfect opportunity to meet other musicians to form chamber ensembles. They are also great for musicians who are too busy to commit to weekly rehearsals for an entire set, but still want the opportunity to enjoy playing once in a while.
Coordinator: Vik Sharma
This group meets at First Baptist Church.
AN AFTERNOON OF CHAMBER MUSIC
An Afternoon of Chamber Music brings exciting chamber music to the Bay Area through an afternoon concert series featuring ensembles that perform selections by various composers, including Haydn, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn, as well as more contemporary composers like Lucie Vellere.
Coordinator: Julie Erickson
Depending on your interests, schedule, and playing level, our Membership Committee will work with you to find the best fit with our ensembles.
Have questions about joining? Send an email to: membership@sfcivicmusic.org