SAN FRANCISCO—On Thursday, May 21, Hong Kong-born Elim Chan, 39, was appointed the first female music director and the 13th music director in San Francisco Symphony’s 115 history.
On Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, in Chan’s first performance at her new, designated role at Davies Symphony Hall, she will conduct works by Wagner, Berlioz and Debussy. A post-concert reception will open to all ticketholders.
From Thursday, October 29 to Saturday, October 31, Chan will return to her fall guest conductor program, featuring Mendelssohn, Brahms, Arvo Pärt and John Adams’ Doctor Atomic Symphony.
The 2026-2027 season will not have a San Francisco Symphony music director, but there will be a curated lineup of guest conductors. Chan has to complete her overlapping commitments first, including serving as Artistic Partner for the Vienna Symphony.
September 2027 will be the official start of her tenure as Music Director under a six-year contract, which would lead to a ten-week program per season, including the Opening Gala and the All–San Francisco concert.
In the 2028 to 2029 season beyond, her active commitment will expand. She will conduct a minimum of 10 standard weeks, which include Opening Week, three extra weeks dedicated to special projects, touring and SoundBox.
