The concert is preceded by a cocktail reception and a dinner in the Louise M. Davies Tent Pavilion. A reception after the concert includes cake, Champagne, music, and dancing.

Proceeds from the evening benefit the new Michael Tilson Thomas First Performances Endowment Fund, established by the SFS to support commissions and premieres of new work.

Tilson Thomas, affectionately known as MTT, is in his tenth season as music director of the SFSO. He is also principal guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, and is the founder and artistic director of Miami's New World Symphony, an orchestra for the talented graduates of America's conservatories.