SAN FRANCISCO | Salonen to become San Francisco Symphony music director
SAN FRANCISCO — Esa-Pekka Salonen will become music director of the San Francisco Symphony starting with the 2020-21 season.
He will succeed Michael Tilson Thomas, who ends his 25-year tenure following the 2019-20 season.
Salonen, a 60-year-old Finn who also composes, was given the immediate title of music director designate, the orchestra said Wednesday. He has a five-year contract as music director, will lead six subscription weeks and an Asia tour in his first season, then will conduct 12-to-14 weeks annually.
