A Symphony of Laughter and Nostalgia: Bugs Bunny at the SF Symphony
Written By Behnam Vadi
The magical evening of February 10, 2024, will long be remembered by those who enjoyed attending Bugs Bunny at the Symphony at Davies Hall in San Francisco, CA. This event, a harmonious blend of animation and classical music, celebrated a milestone of 30 years of collaboration that has enchanted audiences worldwide. Under the batons of the acclaimed George Daugherty and guest conductor James Fellenbaum, the San Francisco Symphony brought to life the antics of Bugs Bunny and his illustrious companions—Will E. Coyote, Road Runner, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Michigan J Frog, and Giovanni Jones—in an event that epitomized the transcendent power of music and laughter.
With its elegant façade and renowned acoustics, Davies Hall was filled to the brim with an audience as diverse as the city it resides in. The event attracted a wide array of attendees, from adults enjoying a nostalgic trip down memory lane without the accompaniment of children to young first-timers, wide-eyed and eager. The eclectic mix of attire, from formal wear to casual and thematic outfits, alongside various creative hairstyles, painted a vibrant picture of San Francisco’s celebrated diversity. This melting pot of cultures, ages, and backgrounds was a vivid backdrop to the evening’s festivities, highlighting the universal charm of the Looney Tunes and their ability to unite people.
The evening’s program was a carefully choreographed dance between the visual and the auditory, where the misadventures of animated characters were met with the precise, dynamic responses of a live symphony orchestra. The big screen, strategically placed to ensure visibility for all, played a selection of meticulously chosen shorts that spanned the rich history of Looney Tunes. From the dramatic flair of What’s Opera, Doc? to the comedic timing of Duck Amuck and the innovative world premiere of Wet Cement, each piece was a testament to these characters’ enduring legacy and appeal.
Moreover, the inclusion of modern 3D animations like Coyote Falls and Fur of Flying added a contemporary dimension to the evening, blending cutting-edge technology with the timeless humour of the Looney Tunes universe. This mix of classic and new, tradition and innovation, was a theme that resonated throughout the night, showcasing the symphony’s ability to adapt and thrive across different eras of musical and cinematic history.
The global tour of Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, which has touched hearts across four continents and seven countries, is a remarkable achievement that underscores the universal language of music and animation. This special event at Davies Hall was more than a mere concert; it was a communal celebration of art, culture, and their joyous intersections. Attendees left with a sense of warmth and unity, reminded of the power of creativity to inspire and connect us across generations.
As the evening drew to a close, with the iconic phrase That’s All Folks marking the end of the performance, there was a collective feeling of gratitude and wonder among the audience. The applause that filled Davies Hall was not just for the night’s entertainment but for the memories rekindled and the new ones created. Bugs Bunny at the Symphony was not merely a performance; it was a cultural event that celebrated the enduring legacy of Looney Tunes, the transformative beauty of classical music, and the shared human experience of laughter and joy.
It was a night that those fortunate enough to attend would cherish. It perfectly encapsulates the magic that occurs when art and music come together to tell the universal stories of humor, conflict, and triumph.
For more info on the SF Symphony go to: www.sfsymphony.org
