Since 1982, David F. Rosenthal has been a principal percussionist with San Francisco Ballet Orchestra.

Rosenthal has also performed extensively with a wide variety of groups including San Francisco Opera Orchestra, California New Music Ensemble, San Francisco Contemporary Chamber Players, Steve Reich Ensemble, Harry Partch Ensemble, and Cabrillo Festival Orchestra.

From 1985 to 2007, Rosenthal was a percussion instructor at San Francisco State University.

Rosenthal plays in various San Francisco-based chamber orchestras and can be heard on many recordings of orchestral and contemporary chamber music.