Elim Chan Becomes First Female Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony

The San Francisco Symphony announced Thursday that Elim Chan will become its music director, the first woman to hold the post in the orchestra’s 115-year history. Chan, 39, will serve as music-director-designate now and begin a six-year term in September 2027, directing at least ten weeks of programming each season.

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Chan follows Esa-Pekka Salonen, who left after stating he did not share the Board of Governors’ vision. Salonen’s exit came amid reduced audience revenue and contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the symphony to cut spending, postpone commissions and cancel a planned European tour.

New York Times

Born in Hong Kong, Chan earned degrees at Smith College and the University of Michigan and won the 2014 Donatella Flick Conducting Competition, the first woman to do so. She was principal conductor of Antwerp Symphony Orchestra (2019-2024) and principal guest conductor of Royal Scottish National Orchestra (2018-2023). She served as artistic partner of Vienna Symphony (2026-28) and debuted with San Francisco Symphony in 2022-23.

Elim Chan named San Francisco Symphony music directorElim Chan hired as San Francisco Symphony's first female music directorKTVU Fox 2New York Times

Chan’s inaugural concerts as music-director-designate are set for 5-6 June 2027, featuring works by Wagner, Berlioz and Debussy. From September 2027 she will conduct at least ten weeks of subscription programming each season, with additional weeks for opening week and special projects beginning in 2028-29.

Elim Chan named San Francisco Symphony music director

CEO Matthew Spivey said the organization is optimistic about its future and that Chan’s vision aligns with the symphony’s goals, noting her curiosity and commitment to expanding the repertoire. Board chair Priscilla B. Geslin highlighted the orchestra’s tradition of bold reinvention and expressed confidence that Chan provides the leadership needed today. Chan called the appointment a historic breakthrough for women conductors.

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Reports differ on Chan’s first appearances. Some sources list concerts on 5-6 June 2027 as music-director-designate, while others state her official tenure begins in September 2027 with a ten-week programming commitment. The 2026-27 season will have no music director, but details of the interim guest-conducting schedule are not provided.

Elim Chan named San Francisco Symphony music director

• “We are very optimistic about where the organization is headed” — Matthew Spivey, Chief Executive Officer, San Francisco Symphony

New York Times

• “When it happened, I was like, ‘Oh my God — it’s time,’” — Elim Chan, Conductor

New York Times

• “San Francisco has always thrived on bold vision and reinvention,” — Priscilla B. Geslin, Board of Governors Chair, San Francisco Symphony

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• “She does not simply program new music—she lives inside it,” — Matthew Spivey, Chief Executive Officer, San Francisco Symphony

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• “Elim Chan comments: 'The San Francisco Symphony is one of the truly great orchestras of the world, and I am honored to take the podium as its next music director.” — Elim Chan, Conductor

Elim Chan named San Francisco Symphony music director