Esa-Pekka Salonen Takes on New Roles with LA Phil and Philharmonie de Paris

Esa-Pekka Salonen, the former music director of the San Francisco Symphony, is transitioning to significant new roles with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Philharmonie de Paris. This dual announcement marks a pivotal moment in Salonen’s career as he steps into the position of Creative Director at the LA Phil for the 2026/27 season, while also serving as the Creativity and Innovation Chair and Principal Conductor of the Orchestre de Paris.

At the LA Philharmonic, Salonen will curate and conduct approximately six weeks of concerts. His reputation for innovative and genre-blending projects positions him to explore new creative avenues that the San Francisco Symphony may have struggled to pursue due to financial constraints. A statement from the LA Phil emphasized that Salonen’s artistic vision will build on his previous accomplishments and usher the orchestra into a new era of experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Salonen’s departure from the San Francisco Symphony raises important questions about the future of the orchestra. His tenure there was characterized by notable achievements, including leveraging digital platforms for performances during the pandemic. However, it ended following reports of “significant financial pressures,” as highlighted by Hoodline. His final performances with the SF Symphony will feature Verdi’s Requiem and Beethoven’s Pastorale, signaling the conclusion of an era filled with artistic ambition and fiscal pragmatism.

New Collaborations and Opportunities

In addition to his conducting responsibilities in Paris, Salonen is set to lead various initiatives aimed at nurturing new talent and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Plans are already in motion for a shared festival between the LA Phil and the Philharmonie de Paris in 2027, indicating a commitment to cross-cultural artistic engagement.

Critics have noted that Salonen’s dual appointment could represent a missed opportunity for the San Francisco Symphony. The San Francisco Chronicle pointed out that parting ways with the conductor may have deprived the orchestra of the innovative momentum that other institutions are now eager to embrace.

Salonen’s leadership in both Los Angeles and Paris will form part of a broader partnership between the two orchestras, intended to connect the vibrant cultural scenes of the cities. This collaboration aims to inspire a new generation of music appreciation and facilitate artistic dialogue across continents. Kim Noltemy, President and CEO of the LA Phil, remarked, “Esa-Pekka Salonen is a transformational artist whose vision helped shape the LA Phil into what it has become today.”

As he embarks on this exciting new chapter, Salonen’s impact on the music world is poised to continue evolving, bridging gaps between different cultural landscapes and pushing the boundaries of orchestral music.