ABOUT the SFCO

After 15 years as a violinist/violist for the SFCO, Jory Fankuchen made his conducting debut in May of 2023 to great success and was named Principal Conductor, succeeding the previous Music Director, Benjamin Simon.  Founded in 1953 by Edgar Braun, the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra is a tightly-knit ensemble comprised of the best musicians in the Bay Area. Combining excellence with accessibility, our full season of over 36 performances is admission-free, presenting classical, contemporary, and commissioned works to audiences of all ages and backgrounds around the Bay Area.  The SFCO is committed to Equity and Diversity, partnering with performers and composers such as the Emerging Black Composers Project and the Sphinx Organization. 

Our MainStage Concerts, performed in major venues in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Palo Alto, feature our full orchestra (up to 36 players) and world-class soloists in creative programs designed to appeal to seasoned concertgoers as well as those new to classical music. Interactive musical demonstrations during the concert provide opportunities to deepen one’s knowledge and experience the music more fully. 

Equally dedicated to educating the next generation of music lovers, the SFCO presents 45-minute Family Concerts and 20-minute Very First Concerts in community centers, churches and libraries in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Mateo, and Menlo Park.  Summer of 2025 marks the third annual Chamber Music Camp with the ELM (Enriching Lives through Music) School.   ELM is a tuition free music school for primarily Latino children in the underserved Canal District of San Rafael.  

Experience the intimacy of a great chamber orchestra—thrill to the work of great composers from Baroque to brand-new—enjoy our relaxed atmosphere and seeing musicians who are clearly enjoying themselves—wear your blue jeans or your pearls, and clap whenever you want to. We’re different because we know classical music is exciting, vibrant, and fun for everyone!