Music as criticism to authoritarianism

I had the pleasure of sitting down again with Urs Leonhardt Steiner, the Swiss-born conductor and founder of the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, a truly unique and inspiring musical ensemble based in San Francisco. For over 33 years, this orchestra has been more than a performance group — it’s been a community mission. Urs has a gift for making classical music feel alive and relevant. He talks to the audience during presentations in both English and Spanish, making sure audiences from all backgrounds feel welcome and engaged. At every concert, he shares the stories behind the music, offering context that makes even the most complex works approachable and meaningful. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Golden Gate Symphony is its inclusive structure: about half of the musicians are professionals, and the other half are highly talented non-professionals who bring the same level of passion and excellence. This is by design — the orchestra’s mission has always been to open the world of music to everyone, not just the elite. And that mission extends to the audience, too. Every concert includes free tickets for Spanish-speaking families and local community members, making world-class music accessible to neighbors who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Mark your calendars for [...]