The San Francisco Symphony\u2019s next music director, its 12th in 107 years, will be Esa-Pekka Salonen. The acclaimed Finnish conductor and composer, former mu<\/b>
\nThe San Francisco Symphony\u2019s next music director, its 12th in 107 years, will be Esa-Pekka Salonen.
The acclaimed Finnish conductor and composer, former music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conductor of Philharmonia Orchestra in London, is slated to take over for Michael Tilson Thomas in September 2020, the orchestra\u2019s president Sakurako Fisher and chief executive officer Mark C. Hanson announced this morning.
Salonen, 60, known for adventurous programming across the world, will step into the spotlight immediately, assuming the music director designate role by leading the symphony\u2019s Jan. 18\u201320,2019 concerts, which include the local premiere of a work by Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir and music by R. Strauss and Sibelius.
The announcement came as surprise, after MTT, 73, said he would step down after 25 years in October 2017.
Salonen said he wasn\u2019t seeking another wasn\u2019t directorship, but said of the San Francisco opportunity: \u201cThere was a \u2018no brainer\u2019 aspect to this that I\u2019ve been fortunate to have experienced a few times before in my career, so I know it when I see it. \u201d
Noting the symphony\u2019s dedication and skill with masterpieces and new works, Salonen said, \u201cThey have had the powerhouse combination of Michael\u2019s exacting musicality and freedom of spirit for 25 years: a legacy I\u2019m privileged to inherit.\u201d
Salonen, who made his San Francisco Symphony conducting debut in 2004, has returned to work with the group frequently.
MTT said of the appointment, \u201cI am so happy that my friend and colleague is coming to San Francisco.\u201d
Symphony CEO Hanson said, \u201cAs one of the most sought-after conductors, composers and creative thinkers, he is focused on making classical music more accessible, expanding the collaborative model and reimagining the role of an orchestra in its community. We have found in Esa-Pekka a partner with whom we can build on the trajectory of artistic growth established under Michael Tilson Thomas and Herbert Blomstedt before him.\u201d
Fisher and Hanson also announced that eight artists from varied disciplines who will join Salonen as the orchestra moves toward more innovation. They are: pianist, film producer and composer Nicholas Britell; soprano and curator Julia Bullock; flutist and new music educator Claire Chase; composer-violinist Pekka Kuusisto; composer Nico Muhly; artificial intelligence entrepreneur Carol Reiley and jazz bassist-vocalist Esperanza Spalding.<\/p>\n