San Antonio Philharmonic's Music Director Resigns

Jeffrey Kahane's departure is the latest turbulence for the orchestra.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Jeffrey Kahane has resigned as music director of the San Antonio Philharmonic after serving half of his three-year commitment to the orchestra. Kahane cited his gratitude for the musical experiences and the high level of artistic achievement of the orchestra, but declined to comment further on his resignation.

Why it matters

The Philharmonic was founded by musicians from the now-defunct San Antonio Symphony, and Kahane's resignation is the latest in a series of challenges the orchestra has faced, including canceled concerts and a legal dispute over its performance venue.

The details

Kahane was the Philharmonic's first music director, having joined the orchestra in 2024. The orchestra has also been embroiled in a legal fight with the Scottish Rite Library and Museum over its use of the Scottish Rite Cathedral as a performance venue, with Scottish Rite alleging the Philharmonic has not met its financial obligations.

  • Jeffrey Kahane joined the San Antonio Philharmonic as music director in 2024.
  • Kahane resigned from his position in February 2026, halfway through his three-year commitment.

The players

Jeffrey Kahane

The former music director of the San Antonio Philharmonic, who resigned from the position in February 2026 after serving half of his three-year commitment.

San Antonio Philharmonic

The orchestra founded by musicians from the now-defunct San Antonio Symphony, which has faced a turbulent season including canceled concerts and a legal dispute over its performance venue.

Scottish Rite Library and Museum

The owner of the Scottish Rite Cathedral, which the San Antonio Philharmonic had been using as its main performance venue under an agreement that the two organizations signed in 2024.

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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. Every distinguished guest artist and artistic partner who has worked with the Philharmonic will attest to the power, skill, and beauty of the orchestra's playing. The archival recordings of our concerts will stand as a lasting testament to the extraordinarily high level of artistic achievement the San Antonio Philharmonic has come to represent.”

— Jeffrey Kahane (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The San Antonio Philharmonic's next scheduled concerts are slated for March 6-7, 2026.

The takeaway

The resignation of the San Antonio Philharmonic's first music director, Jeffrey Kahane, is the latest in a series of challenges facing the orchestra, which was founded by musicians from the now-defunct San Antonio Symphony. The orchestra's turbulent season has included canceled concerts and a legal dispute over its performance venue, raising questions about the long-term stability and future of the Philharmonic.