Jeffrey Kahane steps down as San Antonio Philharmonic's music director

Respected conductor leaves orchestra facing performance space challenges

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Jeffrey Kahane, the respected conductor, pianist and educator, has stepped down as music director of the San Antonio Philharmonic. Kahane's departure comes as the orchestra, formed from the ashes of the San Antonio Symphony, has lost its permanent performance space and canceled several concert dates since December.

Why it matters

Kahane's resignation is a significant blow to the young San Antonio Philharmonic, which was relying on his artistic leadership and reputation to help establish the orchestra. The loss of a permanent performance venue and subsequent concert cancellations have also raised concerns about the Philharmonic's long-term viability.

The details

Kahane, who was appointed the Philharmonic's music director for its inaugural 2024-2025 season, praised the San Antonio community and the high level of artistry of the orchestra in his departure statement. However, the orchestra has faced numerous challenges during his tenure, including losing its deal to perform at the historic Scottish Rite Cathedral and having to cancel several concert series.

  • Kahane was appointed as the Philharmonic's music director for the 2024-2025 season.
  • In October 2024, the Philharmonic announced a deal to make the Scottish Rite Cathedral its permanent performance space.
  • In late 2025, the Philharmonic was ordered to vacate the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
  • Since late 2025, the Philharmonic has canceled four sets of concert dates due to the lack of a permanent performance venue.

The players

Jeffrey Kahane

A respected conductor, pianist and educator who served as the music director of the San Antonio Philharmonic.

Roberto Treviño

The CEO of the San Antonio Philharmonic.

San Antonio Philharmonic

A new orchestra formed from the ashes of the San Antonio Symphony, which collapsed during a labor dispute.

Scottish Rite Cathedral

A historic building in downtown San Antonio that the Philharmonic had planned to use as its permanent performance space.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jeffrey Kahane, Former Music Director (sacurrent.com)

What’s next

The San Antonio Philharmonic is currently negotiating a new deal to perform at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, but a legal dispute over unpaid repairs has complicated the situation. The orchestra's future remains uncertain as it searches for a permanent performance venue.

The takeaway

Kahane's departure is a major setback for the young San Antonio Philharmonic, which was relying on his artistic leadership and reputation to help establish the orchestra. The loss of a permanent performance space and subsequent concert cancellations have raised concerns about the Philharmonic's long-term viability, underscoring the challenges facing regional orchestras in the current climate.