In Monday’s (6/15) San Antonio Express News (TX), Deborah Martin writes, “Felipe Tristán has been named interim music director for the San Antonio Philharmonic. Tristán, who is in his early 40s, has served as associate conductor for the orchestra since 2024. ‘From the first moment I came to guest conduct the orchestra … I sensed that we had great chemistry …’ he said. ‘Two years later, I am truly honored to step into the position of interim music director.’ His appointment follows a tumultuous season for the orchestra, which included the departure of its first music director. Conductor and pianist Jeffrey Kahane, who joined the Philharmonic in 2024 ahead of its third season, resigned in February, midway through his three-year contract. In May, Kahane announced that he was forming Harmonium of Texas, a new orchestra based in San Antonio that will kick off its first season in October. In addition, the Philharmonic has been involved in multiple lawsuits and canceled most of its 2025-26 concerts. Tristán prefers to focus on the future.… ‘We have a world-class orchestra in San Antonio, and so that’s what we need to focus on, to really give the musicians the spotlight that they deserve.’ ”
