Elim Chan to Lead San Francisco Symphony in 2027 as First Female Music Director
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 21
Elim Chan to Lead San Francisco Symphony in 2027 as First Female Music Director
5 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 21
Elim Chan, 39, was appointed music director of the San Francisco Symphony, becoming the first woman to hold the post in the orchestra’s 115-year history.
Chan becomes music director-designate in June with concerts at Davies Symphony Hall and formally starts in September 2027 on a six-year term.
Her appointment fills the vacancy left by Esa-Pekka Salonen, who said in 2024 that he would step down after clashing with the board over the institution’s future.
The leadership change comes after spending cuts, postponed commissions and a canceled European tour as the symphony grappled with weaker audience revenue and donations after the pandemic.
Chan called the selection a milestone for female conductors, saying it marked another broken ceiling in a profession still dominated by men.
How will AI and a new conductor reshape a 115-year-old orchestra's future?
Can one conductor's vision truly rescue a legacy orchestra from its financial crisis?
Will Elim Chan's artistic goals clash with the same board her predecessor famously left?
Elim Chan Named San Francisco Symphony Music Director: A Milestone for Diversity and Artistic Renewal
Overview
The San Francisco Symphony has entered a new era by appointing Elim Chan as its Music Director, a move met with strong optimism from leadership and the orchestra. Matthew Spivey, the CEO, expressed confidence that Chan’s vision aligns closely with the symphony’s identity, signaling stability and fresh artistic direction. Chan is recognized for her genuine curiosity in programming and her commitment to expanding the orchestral canon. This landmark appointment is seen as a significant step forward, promising innovative performances and a renewed sense of purpose for the organization’s future.