Cultural Storytelling: A Día de los Muertos Celebration with Lila Downs
The perfect event for the season comes to Cal Performances this Saturday. Plus, two Russian masterpieces are conducted by David Afkham at SF Symphony and Masterclasses offer the public something new to try.
David Afkham says a conducting debut is like meeting someone new. “Every Experience the vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos with Lila Downs, the Grammy- and Latin Grammy-winning singer whose artistry is deeply rooted in her Mixtec heritage.
Audiences who love storytelling through music will be captivated by Downs’ seamless blending of traditional songs, original compositions, and performances in Spanish, English, and the indigenous languages of Oaxaca. Backed by a dynamic all-star band, her commanding voice and stage presence turn each song into an immersive, celebratory experience, making the past feel alive in the present—the perfect atmosphere for a holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed on.
This is a performance for anyone eager to experience music that bridges generations, honors ancestral legacies, and traces rich cultural traditions—making it both an unforgettable experience and deeply moving moment.
On the Stage
Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich
Classical | San Francisco Symphony
Now – October 26 | Tickets
German conductor David Afkham makes his San Francisco Symphony debut with two timeless treasures of the Russian repertoire.
More Events
- Branford Marsalis Quartet | SFJAZZ | Now – October 26
- Parsifal | San Francisco Opera | October 25 – November 13
- Open Captioned: All performances
- Stereophonic | American Conservatory Theater & BroadwaySF | October 28 – November 23
- A Driving Beat | TheatreWorks Silicon Valley | October 29 – November 23
Next Line
- San Francisco Symphony announces a new event: Grammy Award-winner Jon Batiste will perform on December 12. Mark your calendars for October 30 when tickets go on sale to the public.
- Need to shake up your routine? Want to jump into something completely new? Stanford Live offers free and low cost Masterclasses with some of the most celebrated artists of our time.
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