Violinist Raushan Akhmedyarova’s upbringing in the folk music tradition of her native Kazakhstan has profoundly shaped her musical outlook.

The San Francisco Symphony Chorus—one of a handful of choirs worldwide devoted solely to a particular orchestra—is a source of pride and musical inspiration for the entire Bay Area.

Principal Trumpet Mark Inouye believes in giving his all to reach his goals in music, sports, and life.

SF Symphony violinists (and sisters) Suzanne Leon and Kelly Leon-Pearce make time for family in music and in the kitchen.

Piccolo player Catherine Payne relishes the thrilling high-wire act of playing the orchestra’s smallest instrument.

Principal Percussion Jacob Nissly talks about how being “open to anything” has guided his musical path.

For Bass Clarinet Jerome Simas—a fifth generation Californian—returning to the Bay Area to play with the San Francisco Symphony has been a dream come true .

Concertmaster Alexander Barantschik describes the history of his violin and how music enriches his soul.

For Principal Oboe Eugene Izotov the road has always led back to San Francisco.

Cellist Barbara Bogatin reflects on the connections between music and meditation at the breathtaking Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin County, CA.

Associate Concertmaster Nadya Tichman shares her love of creating beautiful music and beautiful meals. Chef’s Table eat your heart out!

Principal Bassoon Stephen Paulson shares his love for music, his family and San Francisco.

For trombonist Paul Welcomer and bassist Mark Wright, an SF Symphony carpool evolved into a dynamic beer-making partnership.

Violinist Kum Mo Kim road to the SF Symphony was marked by the cultural traditions of her native South Korea and musical passions of her family.

Principal Tuba Jeffrey Anderson is a CrossFit enthusiast, softball slugger, SoundBox rockstar, and a treasured member of our Orchestra.

Violist Matthew Young’s journey from a Kentucky farm to performing as a member of the SF Symphony, has showed him the value of giving back to the community that supports his art form.

Principal Timpani Ed Stephan loves the dynamic nature of his two passions, music and cycling.

Principal Trombone Timothy Higgins is adept at mixing his passions: an intense orchestra life, balanced by running, food and drink, and composing.

For Principal Bass Scott Pingel, the bass is literally and philosophically the bottom line.

Violinst Chen Zhao has come a long way since imitating his uncle’s violin playing with a pair of chopsticks and a pencil box in China.

Associate Principal Trombone Nick Platoff enjoys a rich slate of activities from coaching the SF Symphony Youth Orchestra to playing at Burning Man.

Associate Principal Bass Daniel Smith finds balance outdoors and gains a refreshing sense of awareness in himself and his music making.

Symphony sweethearts Principal Flute Tim Day and Associate Principal Flute Robin McKee met while students at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music . . . and the rest is history.

Assistant Principal Cello Amos Yang reflects on his musical beginnings and the role of music in his family.