San Francisco Symphony | Salonen’s Farewell and the "Resurrection"

The last time I used this title was a year ago, bidding farewell to Jaap van Zweden in New York. 🎻✨ Funny enough, the paths of these two maestros after stepping down were strikingly similar: conducting the New York Philharmonic and touring China. This performance was, of course, profoundly moving—but more than anything, it was tinged with nostalgia and reluctance. If you ask me, Salonen has always been closer to Mahler’s Third Symphony—after all, that’s where his dream career began. 🎼💫 Yet, even the most skilled chef can’t cook without ingredients. The older generation in the SFS seems somewhat disheartened. The first violins, who should be the backbone of the orchestra, were disappointingly lax. The concertmaster’s violin—a priceless instrument that once premiered Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor—sounded dull and out of tune in his hands. 😔 A year ago, during Mahler’s Third, I sat right in front of him, and his solos were full of vigor. Now? Like a deflated balloon. If only the strings had been sharper, this Mahler 2 could have been a completely different experience. That said, the trumpet and trombone sections were rock-solid—their rich, resonant tone would be perfect for Bruckner’s symphonies. 🎺🔥 But guess what? The principal trombonist is heading to Chicago. 😏 Meanwhile, the flute and oboe principals played with such synchronicity that their duets were seamless—almost indistinguishable as two separate instruments. Before the final bow, Salonen made a heartfelt plea: “Please take good care of this orchestra.” 🥹 From the harp to the second violins, woodwinds, cellos, and double basses, his keen ear for talent reshaped the entire ensemble. Yet, sadly, he won’t be returning to SFS anytime soon. With Salonen gone, my motivation to visit the Bay Area has pretty much evaporated. 🚀 Next stop: Los Angeles and Chicago—the places where Salonen truly belongs. #ClassicalMusic #Symphony #SanFranciscoSymphony #Salonen #Mahler #Mahler2