Esa-Pekka Salonen quits SF Symphony. ‘I do not share same goals’

SAN FRANCISCO

Lee Heidhues 3.14.2024

Whoever came in after Michael Tilson-Thomas aka MTT was going to have a high musical note to achieve. So, it comes as no surprise that Esa-Pekka Salonen has handed in his resignation.

Frustration with budgetary constraints are given as the reason. The real story will come out in time. It always does in gossipy San Francisco.

Excerpted from The San Francisco Chronicle 3.14.2024

Esa-Pekka Salonen, the acclaimed Finnish conductor and composer who in 2020 succeeded Michael Tilson Thomas as music director of the San Francisco Symphony, will end his tenure with the orchestra when his contract expires at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.

The news, made public on Thursday, March 14, coincided with the release of the schedule for Salonen’s final season.“I have decided not to continue as Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony, because I do not share the same goals for the future of the institution as the Board of Governors does,” Salonen said in a statement.

Board Chair Priscilla Geeslin did not comment on Salonen’s statement about his differences with the board, but praised him for his work with the orchestra. 

CEO Matthew Spivey attributed Salonen’s departure to the financial constraints the orchestra expects to face over the upcoming years.

Esa Pekka-Salonen out as SF Symphony director –

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https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/esa-pekka-salonen-sf-symphony-18941145.php