Trending Now - Elim Chan Becomes San Francisco Symphony's First Female Leader

WHO:

ABC News - Elim Chan has been hired as the first female music director of the San Francisco Symphony.

San Francisco Chronicle - Elim Chan, 39, is the first woman to lead the San Francisco Symphony in its 115-year history.

San Francisco Chronicle - Esa-Pekka Salonen is the outgoing music director, having served from 2020 to 2025.

WHAT:

ABC News - Chan will start her role in the 2027–28 season and has been given a six-year term.

San Francisco Chronicle - Chan is only the third woman to lead a top-level American orchestra.

San Francisco Chronicle - Chan is scheduled to conduct the orchestra on June 5-6 and return on October 29-31.

WHERE:

ABC News - The San Francisco Symphony is located in San Francisco, California.

San Francisco Chronicle - Chan made her debut at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco.

WHEN:

ABC News - Chan will begin her six-year term in the 2027–28 season.

San Francisco Chronicle - Chan is scheduled to conduct the orchestra on June 5-6 and October 29-31.

WHY:

ABC News - Salonen announced his departure because he did not share the same goals as the orchestra's board.

San Francisco Chronicle - Chan expressed a desire for a long-term commitment with the orchestra, citing the benefits of stability in developing a relationship.

HOW:

ABC News - Chan was appointed after a two-year search for a new music director.

San Francisco Chronicle - Chan's contract includes conducting 10 weeks starting with the 2027-28 season, including the opening gala concert.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 08:10 UTC)

Elim Chan has made history by being appointed as the first female music director of the San Francisco Symphony, a role she will officially begin in the 2027–28 season after a two-year search. At 39, Chan becomes only the third woman to lead a top-level American orchestra, taking over from Esa-Pekka Salonen, who served from 2020 to 2025. She is scheduled to conduct the orchestra on June 5-6 and again on October 29-31, with her contract including a commitment to conduct for ten weeks starting with the opening gala concert.