Jeffrey Kahane resigns as San Antonio Philharmonic music director as cancellations and venue dispute persist

A leadership change mid-term

Jeffrey Kahane has stepped down as music director of the San Antonio Philharmonic, ending his tenure about halfway through a three-year commitment. Kahane, the orchestra’s first music director, began in the role in 2024 as the ensemble continued to establish itself after being formed by former San Antonio Symphony musicians following that organization’s dissolution in 2022.

In a prepared statement, Kahane said he was grateful for the musical work accomplished with the Philharmonic and the San Antonio community, and he pointed to recorded performances as an enduring record of the ensemble’s playing during his tenure. He declined further comment beyond the statement.

What remains in place for the Philharmonic

The Philharmonic’s associate conductor, Felipe Tristán—appointed in August 2025—remains with the organization. The Philharmonic’s next announced performances are scheduled for March 6–7, 2026, as the ensemble seeks to complete a season that has included multiple disruptions.

• Kahane was appointed music director in early 2024, with programming leadership tied to the 2024–25 season.
• Tristán joined the Philharmonic’s artistic leadership team as associate conductor in 2025.
• Concert activity in the 2025–26 season has included cancellations and postponements of scheduled events.

Season disruptions tied to finances and operations

Kahane’s resignation comes amid a period of instability for the Philharmonic’s concert calendar. During the 2025–26 season, the organization canceled or postponed multiple events, including a set of holiday performances and a New Year’s Eve gala. A January 2026 classical program was also called off as leaders cited insufficient year-end donations and said the organization would not proceed in a way that required operating at a deficit.

At the time of the January cancellation, the Philharmonic’s leadership emphasized that the organization was not out of funds, while describing a combination of financial and logistical hurdles that prevented the concert from going forward.

Ongoing dispute involving the Scottish Rite Cathedral

The Philharmonic has also been involved in a legal dispute with the San Antonio Scottish Rite Library and Museum related to the orchestra’s use of the Scottish Rite Cathedral, which has served as a principal performance venue. The dispute centers on financial obligations and terms associated with a partnership agreement reached in 2024. The Scottish Rite has sought to remove the Philharmonic from the premises, while the Philharmonic has disputed the claims.

The change in music leadership lands as the organization continues managing a constrained performance schedule and a contested venue relationship.

What to watch next

The Philharmonic has not announced a successor to Kahane as music director. With performances currently listed for early March 2026, the near-term focus is expected to be on maintaining the remaining schedule and clarifying the orchestra’s operational footing, including how and where it will present concerts going forward.