Esa-Pekka Salonen Resigns as San Francisco Symphony Music Director

Esa-Pekka Salonen, the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, has announced his resignation, citing differing goals with the Board of Governors. Despite his innovative leadership and efforts to solidify the orchestra's reputation, financial struggles, including significant income loss during the Covid pandemic, have impacted the organization. The orchestra's healthy endowment stands at roughly $315 million, but the cancellation of an international tour and Salonen's departure have raised concerns about the institution's future in the arts community.