San Francisco Symphony Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen. Courtesy: Andrew Eccles.

San Francisco Symphony Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen will step down from his role at the conclusion of his contract in 2025. The symphony and Salonen made the announcements separately on Thursday, on the day the organization also announced its 2024–’25 season schedule.

“I have decided not to continue as Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony, because I do not share the same goals for the future of the institution as the Board of Governors does,” Salonen said in a written statement to RIFF. “I am sincerely looking forward to the many exciting programs we have planned for my final season … and am proud to continue working with the world-class musicians of the San Francisco Symphony.”

The symphony did not address any disagreements but noted that the music director’s contract concludes in 2025. The organization noted that he would return in guest artist capacities and collaborations.

The San Francisco Symphony final season includes Esa-Pekka Salonen connecting 12 programs like the annual opening night gala with Lang Lang and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in his final program as director from June 12 to 14, 2025. His schedule includes SF Symphony’s annual All San Francisco Concert, Stravinsky’s works, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Sibelius, Strauss, Verdi and  three of the symphony’s five world premieres.

The schedule includes premieres of commissioned works by composers Nico Muhly, Gabriella Smith, Anna Thorvaldsdottir and others. Returning guest conductors include Marin Alsop, Giancarlo Guerrero and Thomas Wilkins. SF Symphony will also continue its Great Performers, SoundBox, Shenson Spotlight and Film series  (including live-to-picture performances of “Coco,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” “Psycho,” “Titanic,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and more).

The full schedule is available at the SF Symphony website. Ticket packages are on sale now and individual concert tickets will go on sale July 20.

Salonen joined the symphony as its 12th music director following the departure of iconic director Michael Tilson Thomas, who ran the symphony for 25 years. Salonen took over during pandemic lockdowns, when performances were presented virtually. Along with him came several “collaborative partners” from various arts backgrounds (including Muhly, jazz artist esperanza spalding and The National’s Bryce Dessner).

Last year he led the San Francisco Symphony in a European tour featuring extended residencies at the Philharmonie de Paris and Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. Alongside Gustavo Dudamel and Rafael Payare, Salonen spearheaded the two-week California Festival in 2023.

“Esa-Pekka has brought with him a palpable spirit of collaboration and adventure to the San Francisco Symphony that has inspired our musicians, staff, board and audiences to think more expansively about the possibilities of the orchestral experience,” symphony CEO Matthew Spivey said in a news release. “[He forged] a creative path forward with innovative digital projects, distinct concert experiences, and countless fruitful partnerships with artists across a wide spectrum of disciplines.”