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San Francisco Symphony

All articles tagged with #san francisco symphony

arts13 days ago•6 min saved

Elim Chan Breaks Ground as San Francisco Symphony Names Its First Female Music Director

Elim Chan, a 39-year-old Hong Kong–born conductor, was named the San Francisco Symphony’s music director-designate and will assume the post in September 2027, making SF one of the country’s top orchestras to be led by a woman. The appointment follows the tenure of Esa-Pekka Salonen and amid the orchestra’s recent budget and audience challenges; Chan describes it as groundbreaking and plans a bold programming and outreach strategy, including a California tour and a semi-staged Firebird, with a focus on drawing younger audiences and expanding the orchestral canon.

via The New York Times|

#arts #classical-music #elim-chan

culture1 month ago•7 min saved

A Lifelong Encore: The 50-Year Love Story of Tilson Thomas and Robison

A tribute to conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and Joshua Robison, a 50-year partnership that began in Southern California, blossomed into a powerful professional and personal union (with Robison guiding his career as producer and fundraiser), and helped shape major orchestras such as the New World Symphony and the San Francisco Symphony. The couple built a loving, inclusive family life, supported LGBTQ+ outreach (including a Pride Concert protest against discriminatory anti-trans bills), and left a lasting cultural legacy after Joshua’s death in February 2026 and Michael’s death two months later.

via The San Francisco Standard|

#culture #joshua-robison #lgbtq

arts-and-culture2 years ago•2 min saved

Esa-Pekka Salonen Resigns as San Francisco Symphony Music Director

Esa-Pekka Salonen, the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, has announced his resignation, citing differing goals with the Board of Governors. Despite his innovative leadership and efforts to solidify the orchestra's reputation, financial struggles, including significant income loss during the Covid pandemic, have impacted the organization. The orchestra's healthy endowment stands at roughly $315 million, but the cancellation of an international tour and Salonen's departure have raised concerns about the institution's future in the arts community.

via NPR|

#arts-and-culture #esa-pekka-salonen #financial-struggles

music2 years ago•2 min saved

"Esa-Pekka Salonen Announces Departure from San Francisco Symphony"

Esa-Pekka Salonen, the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, has announced his decision to step down when his contract expires next year, citing differences with the orchestra's board over cost-cutting measures and programming shifts. Salonen, known for his innovative approach to music and technology, expressed that he no longer shares the same goals for the institution's future as the board does. The split highlights the challenges faced by symphony orchestras in the wake of the pandemic and raises questions about the orchestra's ability to achieve Salonen's expansive vision.

via The New York Times|

#board-dispute #cost-cutting #esa-pekka-salonen