Danny Elfman is set to take over Davies Symphony Hall for two nights this Thursday and Friday, teaming up with the San Francisco Symphony on Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton — a live-to-picture concert blending his unmistakable scores with Tim Burton’s concept art and film clips. Elfman is slated to perform onstage as a vocalist with the orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, in what the Symphony bills as a special event in its 2025–26 season.
Per the San Francisco Symphony, both shows begin at 7:30 p.m., with original sketches, drawings, and storyboards projected on a large screen alongside the live score. The Symphony’s listing also tags Elfman as a “vocalist” and “special live performer.” Tickets are available through the Symphony’s site and at the Davies box office; patrons with accessibility needs can call 415-864-6000 for assistance.
What You'll Hear and See
According to Danny Elfman’s official site, selections include music from Beetlejuice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Pee‑Wee’s Big Adventure, and Frankenweenie. Expect those themes to play out with film clips and Burton’s original concept artwork for a full live-to-picture treatment.
Who's Onstage
Sarah Hicks conducts, with violinist Sandy Cameron and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus under chorus director Jenny Wong among the credited artists. The Symphony frames the concert as a chapter in Elfman’s long-running creative partnership with director Tim Burton, and the full program is currently listed as “To Be Announced” on the Symphony’s event page.
Part Of A Bigger November Film Lineup
The Elfman/Burton shows are part of the Symphony’s November film-centric slate, which includes more live-to-picture offerings later this month — a trend local classical outlets have noted. San Francisco Classical Voice and regional listings have flagged the month as heavy on cinematic concert experiences.
Listings like SF Station posted the local rundown earlier this week; tickets are on sale now via the Symphony and authorized outlets. Expect a mix of longtime film-score devotees and curious San Francisco concertgoers when Elfman steps up to perform his best-known themes at Davies.
