Dear Friends and Supporters of the SFCO:

After 21 marvelous seasons leading the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Ben Simon, our distinguished Music Director, has announced that he will be retiring in January of 2023. We are excited to have a full season and a half to celebrate Ben and his wonderful leadership, imagination, musicianship, and viola playing. More information on the celebrations and the 2021/22 season will be forthcoming.

The SFCO Board of Directors has established a Search Committee to identify a group of finalists to succeed Ben as SFCO’s new Music Director. We expect that each finalist will conduct one or more concerts in the winter and spring of 2023 and that a new Music Director will be installed for the 2023/24 season. As some of you know, Ben has been much more than the music director of the SFCO. For many years he has also served as the chief fundraiser and the SFCO’s Executive Director. We will be working hard to fill these roles as well.

Ben has brought together world-class musicians and soloists to make orchestral and chamber music accessible to and enjoyable by everyone. Ben has been a consummate leader of the SFCO and the Orchestra has become an exemplar of groups that bring classical music to the public. Ben’s amazing achievements and accomplishments mirror the SFCO Mission Statement: “The language of music is universal, connecting us through our experiences, our emotions and our diverse cultures. San Francisco Chamber Orchestra nurtures community, brings joy, and shares our passion for making orchestral music accessible to everyone.”

There is simply too much to say about Ben for one message. You may experience highlights of Ben’s true love of chamber music and his personality in the “Simon Says Show” videos which are available at https://www.thesfco.org/2020-21online. The Simon Says Show was designed and created by Ben – as part of an array of classical music and interviews – to keep the SFCO community connected, and our musicians engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have not viewed these videos, we highly recommend them.

Thank you for your past support of the SFCO. We encourage you to continue your support and to give generously to the SFCO.

With gratitude,

The Board of Directors of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra