In September 2027, Elim Chan will officially take over as the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, following her recent June performance. The start of September typically signifies the beginning of new seasons for symphony orchestras. This year, both the San Francisco Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic are focusing on future leadership. After a meticulous search for new music directors, announcements were made this spring: British conductor Daniel Harding will lead in Los Angeles, while Hong Kong native Elim Chan will head the San Francisco Symphony.
While it will take a year before Chan and Harding assume their roles fully, insights can already be gleaned from meeting them. There is curiosity about the directions they might take and the impact of their leadership on music both locally and globally.
Elim Chan’s Journey
Elim Chan, at 39, is known for her lively and humorous personality. Her surprising hobby is boxing, a sport she started to push beyond her comfort zone. Chan’s comfort zone is conducting, a passion discovered by chance at Smith College in Massachusetts, where she also took forensic science courses. Her defining moment came when invited to conduct, leading her to become the first woman to win the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition while pursuing her doctorate at the University of Michigan.
Joshua Kosman, former classical music critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, describes Chan as relatively unknown, noting her exciting guest appearances in San Francisco. Her selection as the music director breaks from the orchestra’s tradition of choosing established senior figures. She will be the first woman to lead the orchestra in its 115-year history—a notable fact in the male-dominated field of conducting.
Chan’s relationship with the orchestra began with guest appearances, likened to a first date. Chemistry developed, highlighted by the orchestra’s sound and emotional performance. Chan recognizes the challenge of attracting audiences to concert halls and aims to offer experiences that exceed what one might experience at home.
Daniel Harding’s Appointment
Daniel Harding leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic brings intrigue; though considered more seasoned than previous leaders at LA, his appointment represents a shift. Historically, Los Angeles has favored younger, less proven talents similar to Chan. Harding, at 51, maintains a reserved persona, contrasting Chan’s dynamic presence. Initially tutored by Simon Rattle, Harding quickly rose in the conducting world, leading prestigious orchestras and developing a longstanding relationship with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Despite not being widely known, Harding’s track record includes leading the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and producing a diverse recording catalog. His unique skill set includes being a licensed pilot, providing a distinctive offer to Chan, albeit he avoids entering a boxing ring with her.
Breaking the Mold
These appointments mark a move away from traditional authoritarian leadership typically associated with European conductors. This shift is seen as a significant step, possibly influencing how orchestras differentiate themselves through distinct leadership personalities. Former critic Kosman emphasizes the departure from the old model of the music director and anticipates the outcomes for both orchestras.
As both Chan and Harding prepare to lead their respective orchestras, the hope is that their unique approaches will create distinct sounds and identities for the San Francisco Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.