San Francisco Symphony's Crisis: Leadership Discusses Finances and Finds New Conductor

The San Francisco Symphony faces the twin challenges of a financial crisis and a change in leadership. Executive Director Matthew Spivey and Board President Priscilla Geeslin say the Symphony's schedule and programming will be adjusted due to financial constraints.

The San Francisco Symphony has gone through a tumultuous period since Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen announced that his contract would not be renewed. In a March 14 statement, Salonen said he would step down at the end of the 2024-25 season due to disagreements with the Board of Governors over the orchestra's future goals.

Financial Woes and Uncertainty over Artistic Leadership

The San Francisco Symphony has been struggling with a budget deficit. Expenses for the 2022-23 season were $78.6 million (61.48 million pounds), while revenues were only $67.4 million (52.72 million pounds). Despite the help of one-time donations, the orchestra's financial situation remains precarious.

Executive Director Spivey said, "Looking ahead, the Symphony will plan within realistic financial resources and work to build a stronger philanthropic base. Importantly, as the scope of our programming expands, we have the opportunity to connect with a broader audience."

Adjustments to Programmes and Tours

Executive Director Spivey explained that as the orchestra plans for 2024-25 and beyond, there has been a lot of discussion internally to make sure they understand the level of resources they have and what to expect in terms of ticket sales and the philanthropic pipeline.

As for the question of whether capital projects and tours will be affected by the funding crunch, the executive director and board chair said some adjustments will be necessary. The Symphony Orchestra has cancelled its plans for the 2025 European Festival Tour, but important projects such as SoundBox will continue with the support of special funds.

SoundBox will have four performances next season, and the San Francisco Symphony says the orchestra is committed to maintaining other projects, such as commissions and semi-staged productions, which will also be supported by the dedicated fund.

Seeking New Donors

The San Francisco Symphony is actively seeking to build relationships with new donors in the Bay Area. Spivey noted that it takes time to build donor relationships, with donors typically taking seven to 14 years to mature. The orchestra is also seeking to expand its board of trustees and set a minimum donation for trustees.

Board President Geeslin said, "Right now, we have about 50 people on the board, with a maximum of 80. All current board members are at the Masters Circle level (a minimum gift is required to join the board). However, the Symphony does not cover budget deficits with its endowment; the Symphony's endowment is governed by the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA)."

Renovation Plans for Davis Symphony Hall

The orchestra is evaluating potential renovations to the main Davis Symphony Hall, but any renovation plans are in the preliminary stages. Executive Director Spivey said they are under no obligation to rush a renovation project.

Funding to evaluate potential renovations to the Symphony's main arena has long been available in advance of Davis Symphony Hall's 50th anniversary in 2030, but any renovation plans are in the preliminary stages. The goal is to secure the right to renovate from the City before Davis Concert Hall receives Historic Landmark status, which would allow for the possibility of renovation but may limit the renovation process.

Finding a New Music Director

Despite a petition from musicians asking the board to keep Salonen, his departure is a foregone conclusion. The search for the next music director has already begun. The orchestra hopes to find someone who is not only passionate about working on stage but who can also rally forces, build audiences, and garner philanthropic support.

While Salonen's role as music director is coming to an end, his relationship with the orchestra will continue. Executive Director Spivey confirms, "He's definitely going to be a regular in the orchestra, coming back to work with the orchestra."

Restoring Public Trust

Spivey, the orchestra's executive director, remains optimistic about the future, saying, "There are a number of positive enablers that will allow us to not only overcome these financial challenges, but to succeed down the road. In the long run, we have the opportunity to build a philanthropic pipeline and ultimately the chance to make deeper connections and become an important part of the arts and cultural scene that characterises San Francisco."