The San Francisco Symphony has received a $10 million challenge grant from Bay Area philanthropist Richard N. Goldman.

The grant, via the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Foundation, is one of the largest in the San Francisco Symphony’s history. It aims to invite further gifts by matching contributions of $1 million to the orchestra’s endowment and recognizing such gifts with a named chair in the orchestra’s string sections.

SFS music director Michael Tilson Thomas said, "Richard Goldman’s visionary generosity has made possible one of my dreams for this orchestra, which is to ensure that future generations of San Franciscans will continue to experience orchestral music brought to life by the finest musicians."

Announcing the grant, Richard Goldman said, “I have watched the San Francisco Symphony take a place in the front ranks of the world’s orchestras. San Francisco is a leading cultural center in this country, and I am making this grant because I want to help ensure that the symphony will continue to be in the forefront of the city’s outstanding arts organizations.”