San Francisco Symphony Orchestra

American orchestra established in 1911. Henry Hadley was its first conductor. It was brought to international level under Pierre Monteux (1936-52). Foreign tours began in 1968 under Josef Krips. From 1977, under Edo de Waart, works were commissioned and annual festivals given. With the opening of the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall (1980, cap. 3063) it became independent of San Francisco Opera and increased its activities.