The Wiener Symphoniker has announced the appointment of conductor Elim Chan as Artistic Partner for a two-season term beginning in 2026/27. The collaboration, which extends through the 2027/28 season, marks a significant development in the orchestra’s new leadership era under Chief Conductor Petr Popelka.
Chan first performed with the orchestra in November 2022 and returned in October 2024 for a high-profile engagement at the Musikverein alongside pianist Seong-Jin Cho. Reflecting on her affinity for the ensemble in an interview with the Wiener Symphoniker’s digital platform , Chan noted that she “immediately fell in love” with the musicians during their initial collaboration.
Redefining the concert experience
The appointment comes at a time of transition for the conductor, who recently concluded her tenure as Chief Conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra. Chan expressed a desire to move away from rigid career milestones, stating that she has moved past the “bucket list” approach to conducting.
“In a world that is going crazy and where so much has become incomprehensible, I have torn up that little piece of paper,” Chan said. “I believe that life holds many unknowns and you do well to embrace what comes.”
Her philosophy for the partnership emphasizes authenticity and spontaneous reaction over traditional concert etiquette. Chan signaled an interest in challenging audience expectations, noting that she prefers genuine, even vocal, reactions to “polite applause.”
Inaugural programs
Chan’s tenure as Artistic Partner will officially commence at the Wiener Konzerthaus in October 2026. The program features Alfred Schnittke’s Violin Concerto No. 4 with soloist Gidon Kremer—a violinist Chan previously worked with during her debut with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.
The inaugural concerts will also feature a suite from Prokofiev’s Cinderella, which Chan has personally curated. Her arrangement seeks to provide a contemporary perspective on the narrative, specifically regarding the ending. “I have provided the piece with a quiet, open final question,” she explained. “I want to question expectations, especially those of women in leadership positions.”
About Elim Chan
Born in Hong Kong, Elim Chan became the first female winner of the Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition in 2014, a milestone that launched her international career. She subsequently served as the Assistant Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and participated in the Dudamel Fellowship program with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Chan recently completed a five-year tenure as Chief Conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra (2019–2024). She is recognized for her precision and dynamic podium presence, maintaining regular guest conducting relationships with major ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Subscribe to our newsletter