Renowned for its high artistic standards and innovative programming, the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) is a cultural cornerstone in the City by the Bay. Founded in 1911, it is one of the Nation’s leading orchestras, beloved by prominent composers and conductors for having long played a significant role in shaping the American classical music scene.
Every season is crafted to showcase both timeless masterpieces and contemporary works, reflecting the Symphony’s role in pushing the boundaries of classical music. Beyond the Davies Symphony Hall stage, SFS Symphony plays a vital community role via educational initiatives, outreach programs, and family-friendly events.
This season, as always, SFS attracts world-class musicians, soloists, and conductors, providing guests the opportunity to experience performances by some of the best talents in the field. This season also includes a fond farewell to Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen whose five-year tenure culminates in June 2025.
“Over his time as Music Director, Esa-Pekka has brought with him a palpable spirit of collaboration and adventure that has inspired our musicians, staff, board, and audiences to think more expansively about the possibilities of the orchestral experience,” said San Francisco Symphony CEO Matthew Spivey, who acknowledged Salonen’s leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“His work with the Orchestra has made a lasting impact on this organization. Esa-Pekka is an unparalleled artist and visionary and I am deeply grateful for what his creative leadership has brought to the San Francisco Symphony.”
Highlights of Salonen’s final season as Music Director include the September 25 Opening Gala with superstar pianist Lang Lang performing Camille Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2. Throughout the season, Salonen will conduct the Orchestra in 12 programs bookended by two massive, showstopping works: Verdi’s Requiem (September 19–21) and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, Resurrection (June 12–14).
Throughout the season, Salonen will conduct world premieres of works by Nico Muhly, Xavier Muzik, and Gabriella Smith, as well as the first SFS performances of his own Cello Concerto and Magnus Lindberg’s Chorale. Salonen will continue his exploration of the works of Igor Stravinsky, he will welcome familiar guest artists and up-and-coming talent, and he will lead the Orchestra in interpretations of significant works from Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Mahler, Sibelius, Strauss, and Verdi, among others.
Guest artists making their SFS Orchestral Series debuts this season include sopranos Lucy Crowe, Amanda Forsythe, Leah Hawkins, and Liv Redpath, mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill, countertenor John Holiday, tenor Arnold Livingston Geis, baritones Will Liverman and Douglas Williams, pianists Michelle Cann, Francesco Piemontesi, and Alexandre Tharaud, and violinist Sayaka Shoji. Rainer Eudeikis, San Francisco Symphony Principal Cello and Philip S. Boone Chair, makes his Orchestral Series debut as soloist, giving the first SFS performances of Salonen’s Cello Concerto.
Returning instrumental soloists include violinists Ray Chen, Isabelle Faust, Hilary Hahn, and Gil Shaham, pianists Kirill Gerstein, Hélène Grimaud, Gabriela Montero, Víkingur Ólafsson, Conrad Tao, Daniil Trifonov, and Yuja Wang, and cellist Johannes Moser. Returning vocalists include tenor Mario Chang, mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, bass Eric Owens, soprano Susanna Phillips, and baritone Michael Sumuel.
“Esa-Pekka’s time as Music Director has been artistically rewarding and exciting for our whole organization,” said San Francisco Symphony Board Chair Priscilla Geeslin. “I’m looking forward to experiencing his creativity and artistry through his final programs in this role during the 2024–25 season.”