Jeffrey Kahane has resigned as music director of the San Antonio Philharmonic, the orchestra announced Monday. The departure comes as the young ensemble, formed from the remnants of the San Antonio Symphony, faces ongoing challenges including a lack of a permanent performance venue and recent concert cancellations.
Kahane’s resignation was revealed in a statement released through his publicist, Katy Solomon of Primo Artists. Solomon indicated Kahane is not permitted to give interviews regarding the matter, according to reports in the San Antonio Current and Symphony magazine. In his statement, Kahane expressed gratitude for his time with the orchestra and the city’s classical music community. “I’m deeply grateful for the musical experiences I’ve had with the San Antonio Philharmonic and to the community of music lovers in this wonderful city that I have come to love so much,” he said.
The San Antonio Philharmonic was established after the dissolution of the San Antonio Symphony in June 2022, following a contentious labor dispute. Kahane was appointed music director for the Philharmonic’s inaugural 2024-2025 season and, according to his statement, also served as a “significant donor” to the fledgling organization. He had a long-standing relationship with the San Antonio Symphony dating back to 1992, having previously guest-conducted with the ensemble.
The orchestra has struggled to secure a consistent performance space. Late last month, the Philharmonic canceled concerts scheduled for February 13 and 14, marking the fourth set of concert dates scrapped since December, as reported by Symphony magazine. In December, Kahane acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the orchestra’s future, telling Texas Public Radio, “In all honesty… I don’t know” what would happen next, and noting “a lot of drama” and “confusion” among San Antonio music lovers.
Kahane distinguished between his artistic role and the business operations of the Philharmonic, stating to Texas Public Radio that his responsibilities were focused on the musical aspects of the orchestra and advocating for its artistic vision. He previously served as music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for two decades.
Roberto Treviño, CEO of the San Antonio Philharmonic, was unavailable for comment, according to the San Antonio Current. The Philharmonic has not yet announced a successor to Kahane.