San Francisco Symphony Names New Music Director — What to Expect

The San Francisco Symphony just announced Elim Chan as its next Music Director. That’s a big move, and it’s bound to shake up the Bay Area’s classical music scene for quite a while.

Chan, who was born in Hong Kong, has been making waves internationally as a conductor. She’ll officially take over in September 2027, stepping in as the SFS’s 13th Music Director after Esa-Pekka Salonen.

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Her first appearance with the orchestra in the 2022/23 season and the world premiere of Elizabeth Ogonek’s Moondog got people talking. Folks from Marin County are already watching her career, probably planning more trips into the city for concerts once she’s at the helm.

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Elim Chan Named Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony

Elim Chan is set to be the next Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony starting September 2027. She’ll serve an initial six-year term and follow Esa-Pekka Salonen, whose time with the orchestra wraps up in 2025.

Chan takes on the title of Music Director Designate right away. She’s scheduled to conduct concerts on June 5 and 6, featuring works by Wagner, Berlioz, and Debussy.

When her term begins in 2027, she’ll lead at least 10 weeks of programming each year. That includes the Opening Gala and the All San Francisco concert.

By the 2028/29 season, she’ll handle Opening Week plus extra weeks for touring and special projects. It’s a pretty packed calendar, honestly.

From San Rafael to Sausalito, Marin County’s arts fans have watched Chan’s rise. She brings a mix of intellectual depth and adventurous programming to the conductor’s podium.

Her appointment feels like a bold step for the SFS. It’s also a nudge to Bay Area communities—whether you’re up in Mill Valley or down in Larkspur—to stay connected with the city’s flagship orchestra.

Chan’s Global Footprint and the SFS’s Forward-Looking Plan

Chan’s résumé really does cover the globe. She’s worked with major orchestras and opera houses, always bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective to classical music.

She’s been Artistic Partner with the Vienna Symphony, Principal Conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra (2019–2024), and Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Her guest-conducting gigs have included the Berlin Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, NHK Symphony, and Dallas Symphony. She’s set to debut with the Vienna Philharmonic in 2028 and will conduct her first staged opera at Zurich Opera House in John Adams’s Doctor Atomic.

Debut with the Berlin Philharmonic and Leipzig Gewandhaus
Upcoming work with Santa Cecilia and Royal Stockholm
Vienna Philharmonic debut planned for 2028
First staged opera at Zurich Opera House

Chan studied at Smith College and the University of Michigan. She won the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition in 2014 and held key roles with the London Symphony Orchestra and the LA Philharmonic’s Dudamel Fellowship, where she worked with the late Bernard Haitink.

SFS leaders have praised her “interpretive imagination,” her support for contemporary composers, and her collaborative style. Those qualities fit right in with San Francisco’s reputation for innovation and creative risk.

Chan said she feels “honored to lead an orchestra with such generosity, forward-looking energy, and a vibrant Bay Area community.” She’s clearly eager to connect with musicians and audiences in Marin County and across the city. And honestly, it’s hard not to be a little excited to see where she’ll take things next.

What This Means for Marin County and Bay Area Audiences

For folks in San Rafael and Mill Valley, the Chan era hints at stronger collaborations across the bridge. SFS programming will likely echo through Marin’s arts scene in ways that feel fresh and a bit overdue.

This announcement backs a Bay Area cultural ecosystem that cares about access, education, and partnerships. That’s especially important as Marin’s performing-arts groups keep drawing crowds from Novato, San Anselmo, and honestly, all over the map.

You can probably expect more cross-pollination between downtown San Francisco’s concert halls and Marin’s own venues. Think pre- and post-concert talks, family events, and maybe even SFS shows popping up in nearby towns on special weekends.

If you’re in Marin and planning a weekend city trip, keep an eye out for a calendar that pairs world-class performances with the reality of travel. Whether you’re hopping the Sausalito ferry or catching Golden Gate Transit, the San Francisco Symphony is shaping up to be a shared cultural anchor for Marin and the whole Bay Area.

Here is the source article for this story: San Francisco Symphony Announces New Music Director

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.