Salonen Departs San Francisco Symphony
- SAN FRANCISCO—Esa-Pekka Salonen's final performance as music director of the San Francisco Symphony featured a powerful rendition of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No.
- mahler's symphony explores themes of life, death, and the search for purpose.
- After five years, Salonen declined to renew his contract, citing a divergence in vision with the board of trustees.
Esa-Pekka Salonen’s tenure as music director of the San Francisco Symphony has concluded, marked by a powerful performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, known as the “Resurrection.” salonen’s final concert at Davies Symphony Hall was a resounding success, but it also signaled the end of his five-year leadership. This article details the departure and reflects on Salonen’s vision for the symphony, which aimed to blend innovation with musical tradition. His ambitious goals to integrate technology and social advancement faced challenges, including the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. News Directory 3 provides coverage of this significant transition, highlighting the orchestra’s upcoming search for a new music director, hoping to find someone to articulate a clear vision.Discover what’s next for the San Francisco Symphony.
Esa-Pekka Salonen Ends Tenure With Mahler’s “Resurrection”
Updated june 17, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO—Esa-Pekka Salonen’s final performance as music director of the San Francisco Symphony featured a powerful rendition of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, known as the ”Resurrection.” The Saturday night performance at Davies Symphony Hall was described as both ferocious and exalted.
mahler’s symphony explores themes of life, death, and the search for purpose. Salonen’s interpretation emphasized the glory of perseverance and continuous questioning, eliciting a standing ovation from the audience.
After five years, Salonen declined to renew his contract, citing a divergence in vision with the board of trustees. Before leaving the stage,Salonen thanked the audience and urged them to support the orchestra and chorus.
Salonen, a self-described tech enthusiast and science-fiction fan, initially came to San Francisco drawn by the Bay Area’s reputation as a hub of innovation. He aimed to transform the symphony into a vehicle for social and technological advancement, building on his previous work with the Los Angeles philharmonic.
Following Michael Tilson Thomas‘s 25-year tenure, Salonen sought to integrate the orchestra into the cultural fabric of the city. He assembled a team of “creative partners” from music and technology, collaborated with architect Frank Gehry, and initiated ambitious projects with director Peter Sellars.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Salonen’s plans, forcing his first season to be streamed online.Like many arts organizations, the San francisco Symphony faced budgetary challenges. Salonen,drawing on his experience revitalizing the L.A. Phil,sought solutions.
Salonen’s tenure with the L.A. Phil began in 1992 during a period of crisis. The construction of Walt Disney Concert Hall was in jeopardy, and the orchestra faced a notable deficit. Salonen’s leadership, coupled with the opening of Disney Hall in 2003, transformed the orchestra and the city.
Davies Symphony Hall.”/>
Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in Davies Symphony Hall on Saturday.
(Brandon Patoc / San Francisco Symphony)
Unlike the L.A. Phil, the San Francisco Symphony did not fully embrace salonen’s vision. The upcoming season marks the first in three decades without a clear mission.
Salonen’s interpretation of Mahler’s “Resurrection” emphasized the transformative power of sound. The performance featured Heidi Stober and Sasha Cooke as soloists.
What’s next
The San Francisco Symphony will begin its search for a new music director, hoping to find someone who can articulate a clear vision for the orchestra’s future and connect with the city’s evolving cultural landscape.