Elim Chan becomes first female to lead SF orchestra

Hong Kong-born conductor Elim Chan was appointed by the San Francisco Symphony on Thursday to become its next music director, starting in September next year. The 39-year-old will be the first female music director in the orchestra's 115-year history and will serve an six-year term. She spoke on an RTHK radio programme on Friday, expressing her gratitude and said that she cannot wait to perform in the city in the future. "I just want to say I'm so grateful for all the audiences in Hong Kong who have supported me through the years in all my concerts for cheering me on even though from far away and I can't wait to reunite with you and at that time I'm bringing San Francisco Symphony to you," she said. Born in Hong Kong, Chan studied at Smith College in Massachusetts and at the University of Michigan and served as principal conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra from 2019 to 2024 and principal guest conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra between 2018 and 2023. Edited by Tony Sabine