We were lucky to catch Elim Chan’s debut at SF Symphony last Fri after she was named the next music director, and it was really special. She said she felt humbled and grateful at taking on the role, and she exuded a really direct, open, youthful energy.

She conducted La Mer, one of my favorite orchestral pieces, and one I’ve probably heard the SF Symphony play a dozen times. She also conducted Sascha Cooke, a long time collaborator of MTT’s, and they had a pretty emotional passing-the-torch moment in his memory. Everyone felt his presence, and his blessing, so strongly.

No one can replace MTT, of course, and I’m still pretty heartbroken that we couldn’t keep Esa-Pekka, but Chan seems poised to bring on a new era. Can’t wait for the 27-28 season!