Conductor Improvises Live Composition With SF Orchestra

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Talented multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier took over conducting duties from his mother, famed conductor Suzie Collier, to improvise a live composition with an orchestra comprised of local San Francisco musicians who heeded the call that was put out prior to the event. Jacob was quite encouraging and amusing when assigning musical roles to each part of the orchestra, and he had the audience sing different parts that all came together beautifully.

Why it matters

This type of spontaneous, audience-inclusive performance highlights the creativity and community that can emerge when musicians come together, even without formal rehearsal or sheet music. It showcases the improvisational skills of both the conductor and the orchestra members, as well as the joy of live, in-the-moment music-making.

The details

Jacob Collier, a talented multi-instrumentalist, took over conducting duties from his mother, Suzie Collier, to lead an impromptu performance with an orchestra made up of local San Francisco musicians. Without any prior rehearsal or sheet music, Jacob assigned different musical roles to the various sections of the orchestra and had the audience sing along, creating a unique and harmonious composition on the spot.

• The event took place at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco on October 27, 2025.