Esa-Pekka Salonen to leave San Francisco Symphony, citing dispute with orchestra's board
Esa-Pekka Salonen will leave the San Francisco Symphony following the 2024-25 season, just his fifth as music director, announcing his departure with a statement critical of the orchestra’s leadership
By AP News
Published - Mar 14, 2024, 02:42 PM ET
Last Updated - Mar 14, 2024, 02:42 PM EDT
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Esa-Pekka Salonen will leave the San Francisco Symphony following the 2024-25 season, just his fifth as music director, announcing his departure Thursday with a statement critical of the orchestra's leadership.
“I do not share the same goals for the future of the institution as the board of governors does,” Salonen said in a statement.
Salonen was not discussing his decision beyond the statement, spokeswoman Amanda Ameer said.
The symphony board is chaired by Priscilla B. Geeslin, whose husband Keith Geeslin is president of San Francisco Opera. Matthew Spivey is in his first season as CEO after one year in an interim role. Orchestra spokeswoman Taryn Lott said Priscilla B. Geeslin and Spivey were not available to comment.
