Davies Symphony Hall, home of the San Francisco Symphony, has always been a friendly hub for international visitors.

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the tragic story of the horrific 1973 fire at The UpStairs Lounge, a gay bar in New Orleans' French Quarter. This musical weaves past and present together.

It is early in the San Francisco Symphony's new season, but Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas has already covered a lot of ground.

Verdi's beloved "La Traviata" opened last week as the third offering in San Francisco Opera's fall season, greeted by appreciative cheers and more than a few sighs of relief.

"Elektra" by Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal opened recently as the second presentation in San Francisco Opera's fall season.

Cast Party, the "extreme open mic event," is about conviviality, not competition.

The music is still the thing at the War Memorial Opera House, even on opening night, and by the end of the marathon performance, everyone from backstage to the boxes knew it.

Part of the fun of being invited to the San Francisco Opera's opening gala is rubbing shoulders with famous socialites.

Lavish revivals, new productions and a highly anticipated world premiere open and continue in repertory starting Fri., Sept. 8.

Looking back over the summer and remembering the rich season of classical music and opera performances in San Francisco and the Bay Area, critics and audiences alike should agree on at least one thing: Music has the power to guide us through crazy times.