The legendary partnership of composer Danny Elfman and filmmaker Tim Burton arrives in San Francisco this November, uniting the power of the San Francisco Symphony with iconic film scores. This highly anticipated concert is more than just music; it’s an immersive showcase featuring original sketches and a special live vocal performance by Elfman himself. This exclusive event transforms Davies Symphony Hall into a cinematic sanctuary, celebrating one of Hollywood’s most fruitful artistic collaborations across the fantasy and gothic genres.
Event Overview: Music, Magic, and Sketches
This concert is a monumental celebration of the 25-year creative partnership between the composer and the visionary director. The music itself is brought to life by the world-class San Francisco Symphony, conducted by Sarah Hicks. Hearing these dramatic, whimsical, and often haunting melodies performed live by a full orchestra elevates the experience far beyond traditional cinema.
What sets this production apart is its multi-sensory approach. While the symphony performs the iconic scores, the music is enhanced by striking visuals projected onto a big screen. These visuals are not merely film clips; they are original sketches, drawings, and storyboards pulled directly from Tim Burton’s archives. This integration offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the unique creative process that defined the visual and aural texture of an era of filmmaking.
The Setlist: Iconic Scores from Batman to Beetlejuice
The program is a carefully curated journey through Elfman’s most recognizable and cherished work with Burton. Attendees can expect to hear cinematic suites and highlights from a diverse range of beloved movies:
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Batman
- Edward Scissorhands
- Beetlejuice
- Frankenweenie
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure
- And more scores spanning their over three-decade partnership.
The Composer Takes the Stage: Danny Elfman Live
The biggest draw for many fans is the promised appearance of the legendary composer himself. Danny Elfman participates in the San Francisco performance as a special live vocalist.
For those wondering what to expect from this unique appearance, Elfman typically embraces his famous role as the singing voice of Jack Skellington. During the concert, he is expected to perform Jack's signature songs, such as "What's This?" from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Audience reports from similar past performances often cite an electric encore where Elfman returns to sing "Oogie Boogie's Song," offering a fun, dynamic close to the evening.
Essential Event Details & Planning Guide
Knowing the logistical facts is crucial for a stress-free evening in the Civic Center.
| Dates |
Thursday, November 13 & Friday, November 14 |
| Time |
7:30 PM (Showtime both evenings) |
| Location |
Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102 |
| Admission |
Tickets start at $99 |
| Estimated Duration |
2 hours, 5 minutes, including one intermission |
Neighborhood Context: Civic Center and Hayes Valley Dining
Davies Symphony Hall sits at the epicenter of San Francisco’s cultural life in the Van Ness – Civic Center neighborhood. A successful evening performance is often defined by a great pre-show dinner.
What Time Should I Reserve Dinner?
With a 7:30 PM start time and a running time of approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, the concert is estimated to conclude around 9:35 PM. To allow ample time to walk to the Hall and find your seat without rushing, we recommend securing a dinner reservation and being seated no later than 6:00 PM.
Pre-Show Dining Strategy
The adjacent Hayes Valley area is packed with acclaimed dining options, ranging from upscale French brasseries to quick, high-quality international fare.
For the quintessential cultural evening experience, Absinthe Brasserie and Bar is widely regarded as the classic pre-symphony choice. For more premium options, Uccello Lounge and Yakiniku Shodai offer $$$$ cuisine closest to the venue.
For attendees seeking a quicker meal that doesn't compromise on quality, Hayes Valley offers excellent $$$ options like a Mano (Italian), Nakama Sushi, or Teakwood (Burmese), all within easy walking distance.
Getting to Davies Symphony Hall: Transit and Parking
The Civic Center neighborhood provides superior access via San Francisco’s public transit network. Planning your transit in advance is the key to minimizing stress on performance nights.
Public Transportation Access
The most straightforward way to reach Davies Symphony Hall is via public transit, positioning the Van Ness – Civic Center as one of the most accessible areas of San Francisco.
- BART: The Civic Center / UN Plaza Station (servicing the YELLOW line) is the main regional gateway and is only a three-block walk to the Hall.
- Muni: Numerous Muni Light Rail (L, M, N lines) and bus lines (including the 101, 14R, 49, 5R, and 7) stop within minutes of the venue.
Prepaid Parking for Evening Performances
For those who choose to drive, prepaid parking is highly recommended to secure your space and ensure a quick exit post-show.
- Performing Arts Garage: Located at 360 Grove Street, this is the most convenient choice.
- Civic Center Garage: Located at 355 McAllister Street, offering a strong alternative.
Critical Tip: We strongly advise reserving your parking spot in advance via the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) reservation portal. Availability for high-demand events like the Danny Elfman concert can be limited, so securing all your desired dates as soon as possible is prudent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the running time for Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton?
A: The performance is estimated to last 2 hours and 5 minutes, which includes a single intermission. The concert is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM, ending around 9:35 PM.
Q: Will Danny Elfman sing live at the San Francisco concert?
A: Yes, Danny Elfman is confirmed as the vocalist for a special live performance. He typically performs songs associated with his role as Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Q: What Tim Burton films are featured in the program?
A: The program features iconic scores from Beetlejuice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, among others.
Q: Where is Davies Symphony Hall located?
A: Davies Symphony Hall is located in the Civic Center district at 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102. The main entrance is on Grove Street.
Final Thoughts and Kinoko’s Community Commitment
The Civic Center district is defined by the extraordinary cultural access it provides, making it one of San Francisco’s most prestigious and vibrant places to live. An evening spent experiencing the fusion of orchestral mastery and cinematic art, like Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton, is a perfect example of the world-class lifestyle offered to residents of this area.
This concentration of arts and culture—from Davies Symphony Hall to the San Francisco Opera—contributes significantly to the enduring value and desirability of the neighborhood. The ability to seamlessly transition from a classic Hayes Valley dinner to a globally renowned performance is a luxury only San Francisco can offer.
Heading image by Gage Skidmore on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0