“Fate has brought me to the right place.” Elim Chan

SAN FRANCISCO

Lee  Heidhues 5.22.2026

San Francisco has been a leader culturally and politically for decades.

The international City by the Bay has broken  ground with its hiring of renowned Elim Chan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elim_Chan to be its 🎶 music director. The first woman to take the podium as director at Davies Hall in the symphony’s 115 year storied history.

Ms. Chan, 39, will formally assume her role in September 2027.

Elim Chan will take the helm next year and will follow in the wake of the late Michael Tilson Thomas. His recent death has left a tremendous void in the hearts and minds of San Francisco cultural life.

“After the opening glow wears away Ms. Chan will be subjected to the brutal political, cultural, and media commentariat Power Elite which has run San Francisco since its inception in the 19th century. I can only hope Emil Chan is possessed with a thick skin”. Lee’s Perspective comment. Published in The New York Times – 5.22.2026