New Faces at the San Francisco Symphony Ahead of a New Season

As the San Francisco Symphony prepares to open its 115th season on September 24, the orchestra is entering a period of transition marked by retirements, departures, and new appointments. Among the longtime musicians leaving are Associate Principal Viola Yun Jie Liu, after 33 years with the orchestra, former Principal Bassoon Stephen Paulson, and horn player Jonathan Ring. Four musicians have joined the ensemble: Jung-Eun Shin as Associate Principal Second Violin, Michael Stevens as Associate Principal Horn, James Benoit as Assistant Principal Timpani/Section Percussion, and Starla Breshears in the cello section. Several positions, particularly in the brass section, remain temporarily filled by one-year substitutes. Unlike their colleagues in the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, now fighting for a new contract, the Symphony's musicians are secure for another year. The personnel changes come as Elim Chan begins her tenure as music director designate before formally assuming the position in the 2027–28 season. The coming season includes Renée Fleming singing Richard Strauss's Four Last Songs, while Chan returns in October for a program featuring Brahms, Arvo Pärt, and John Adams. Bay Area composer Gabriella Smith also joins the Symphony as Creative Partner and will write a new violin concerto, How to Be a Bird. Although the orchestra's roster is not yet completely settled, its new musicians and ambitious programming point toward a significant period of renewal for one of the Bay Area's leading musical institutions.