Written by Michael Martin
San Francisco – Christmas is more than just a season; it’s a symphony of joy, wonder, and connection. It’s a time when twinkling lights illuminate the darkest corners, and melodies of goodwill resonate through the crisp winter air. Christmas wraps us in the comforting embrace of nostalgia, a season when childhood magic is reignited, and even the most jaded hearts rediscover their spark. It slows the ticking clock of life, letting us linger on moments of kindness, togetherness, and the profound happiness found in giving. This is the season of dreamers, believers, Santa, and his tireless elves, all united in the shared pursuit of wonder and giving. Of course, for Santa, that depends on if you were “naughty or nice.”
Now, imagine combining all this yuletide magic with the live majesty of a symphony orchestra. Picture your favorite Christmas movie brought to life with soaring music, each note painting the vibrant emotions of the season. That was the scene on Thursday, December 19th, at Davies Symphony Hall, where the classic Christmas tale Elf was transformed into an extraordinary concert experience, brimming with heart, humor, and festive cheer. All brought to life by our beloved San Francisco Symphony.
Elf spins the whimsical story of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who ventures to New York City in search of his biological father. With an oversized heart (and an equally oversized appetite for syrup-laden spaghetti), Buddy navigates the bustling cityscape with an innocent wonder that’s both hilarious and endearing. His wide-eyed exuberance and tireless Christmas spirit melt even the iciest of hearts, proving his mantra true: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
At Davies Symphony Hall, the night felt like stepping into Buddy’s magical world. Families, friends, and curious newcomers filled the elegant space. Their anticipation was as tangible as the chill in the December air. As the movie began, laughter rippled through the crowd, Buddy’s exuberant antics sparking shared joy among strangers. From his disastrous attempts to embrace escalators to his relentless efforts to win over his cynical father, the audience watched, spellbound. During the intermission, the hall buzzed with warmth and conversation—an unmistakable aura of love and connection that only the holidays (and Buddy the Elf) could inspire.
Of course, no conversation about Elf is complete without celebrating the star himself, Will Ferrell. Ferrell’s career is a testament to comedic brilliance, a vibrant blend of humor and heart. Rising to fame on Saturday Night Live, he quickly became a household name with iconic characters that showcased his bold improvisational skills. Transitioning to film, Ferrell delivered unforgettable performances in comedies like Anchorman, Talladega Nights, and Step Brothers.
Yet his portrayal of Buddy in Elf remains one of his most beloved roles. Ferrell’s performance is a masterclass in joyful absurdity, capturing both the hilarity and humanity of a grown man navigating the world through childlike wonder. It’s a role that’s cemented itself in holiday tradition, warming hearts year after year. Guiding the evening’s magic was the extraordinary conductor, John Debney, a true maestro of musical storytelling.
Debney’s compositions breathe life into film, creating soundscapes that linger in memory. His score for Elf is no exception, perfectly encapsulating the whimsical magic of the holiday season. From playful, lighthearted tunes to sweeping melodies that tug at the heartstrings, Debney’s music is a character in its own right—an audible embodiment of Buddy’s relentless cheer. Whether enhancing the fantastical world of Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey or adding grandeur to epic tales, Debney consistently crafts scores that elevate storytelling to transcendent heights.
As the San Francisco Symphony struck the opening notes of Elf, Davies Symphony Hall transformed into a wonderland of sound. Part of the Holidays With the Symphony series, this performance was a feast for the senses. The symphony’s whimsical melodies blended seamlessly with the film, wrapping the audience in a cocoon of holiday cheer. Each musical swell brought Buddy’s world to life, from the tinkling magic of the North Pole to the bustling energy of New York City.
The synergy between the live orchestra and the on-screen antics was spellbinding, each note amplifying the story’s humor, warmth, and heart. The audience was a sea of delighted smiles. Their faces were illuminated not just by the screen but by the glow of shared joy. Children giggled at Buddy’s sugary escapades, adults laughed at the clever humor, and everyone marveled at the symphony’s ability to capture the emotional essence of the film. By the time the movie reached its heartwarming conclusion—Buddy saving Christmas with his infectious spirit—the hall erupted in applause.
This wasn’t just a concert but a celebration of what makes Christmas special: laughter, love, and the shared belief in magic. It was a night where the barriers between people melted away, replaced by the universal language of music and holiday joy. As the final notes lingered in the air, they carried with them a sense of renewal—a reminder that, much like Buddy, we all have the power to spread cheer and make the world a little brighter.
The evening was a testament to the enduring magic of Elf and the transformative power of music. It was a reminder that Christmas is not just a date on the calendar but a feeling—a symphony of wonder that resonates in our hearts long after the final curtain falls.
Artists John Debney (Conductor) San Francisco Symphony John Debney (Composer)
Jon Favreau (Director) More Info on SF Symphony, go to: www.sfsymphony.org
