New boss confirmed at San Fran Symphony

The orchestra has been under interim management since Mark Hanson walked out in July 2021 for no stated reason.

Chief programming officer Matthew Spivey stepped in as interim CEO.

Last night he was confirmed in the job, to general murmurs of approval.

‘Our committee was impressed by Matt’s thoughtful leadership, integrity, strategic mindset, and incredible work ethic,’ said Board chair Priscilla Geeslin. ‘He’s also proven a deep personal commitment to furthering the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work, making it an integral part of the Symphony’s day-to-day activities. It is these invaluable qualities that make him such an incredible partner to me and the board and will help guide the Symphony into a bright future.’

Esa-Pekka likes him, too. “Matt Spivey is in it for the music—it’s as simple as that,” said Esa-Pekka Salonen. “He’s a leader who appreciates the history of our art form and wants to be part of its future. He spends the time to build consensus across the organization because he knows our San Francisco Symphony is stronger as ‘us’ than ‘I.’ Where others react, he pre-acts. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside Matt in many capacities since I started as Music Director, and I know the future with him in this position is bright. Let’s get to work.”