San Francisco Symphony

Established in 2001, SFS Media is the ‘label-house’ of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. The label records audio and video materials that reflect the work of the Orchestra and their musical director, Michael Tilson Thomas. Encompassed in the label’s résumé are present works by neglected American composers, alongside great works taken from the classical repertoire. These recordings reflect the capacious artistic vision that has developed between the orchestra and their leader. The concerts are recorded live at Davies Symphony Hall, and then published in SACD-hybrid format or in high definition digital audio format. SFS Media has had great success in the musical world with their versions, together with the Mahler Orchestra, of Mahler’s complete symphonies and lieder. They have also released a series of recordings of the works of Harrison, Cowell, Varèse, Ives, and Copland, who have provided some of the most singular components of the direction of Tilson Thomas. In addition to their concert recordings, SFS Media produces and distributes documentaries. These take the form of live broadcasts, DVDs, and Blu-Rays; especially noteworthy is the famous ‘Keeping Score’ series, a collection of entertaining, educational videos intended to inform a public less than familiar with some of the great works of the repertoire. Michael Tilson Thomas can take his place as a direct descendent of the famous educational concerts conducted by Bernstein in the 1960s; but, by targeting a much wider public than one significantly steeped in classical musical, Thomas has had a remarkable educational impact. The Orchestra has also produced a video depicting their hundred year history, recorded on the centenary occasion that the prestigious phalanx celebrated in 2011: entitled ‘San Francisco Symphony at 100’.