Daniel Hope Extends His Tenure Through The 2029/2030 Season

Music Director and Concertmaster Daniel Hope

We’re thrilled to announce that Music Director and Concertmaster Daniel Hope has renewed his commitment to New Century, extending his tenure through the 2029–30 season. This three-season extension will make him the orchestra’s longest-serving Music Director.

Since joining New Century in 2018 as Music Director, Daniel has helped shape its bold artistic identity, pairing beloved masterworks with diverse contemporary voices. Under his leadership, New Century has toured Europe, released our first recording on Deutsche Grammophon, and brought ambitious multimedia productions and world premieres to Bay Area audiences.

“New Century is a chamber orchestra unlike any other—fearless, imaginative, and deeply connected to its community,” says Hope.

“It has been a great privilege to serve as Music Director, and I am thrilled to continue this remarkable journey together. I look forward to exploring new repertoire, deepening our connection with audiences, and building on the extraordinary spirit that makes New Century so special.”

New Century Board President Shira Lee Katz adds:

"Daniel is not only a beautifully expressive musician but a true mensch who is deeply beloved by Bay Area audiences. He has championed innovative collaborations, multimedia projects, chamber orchestra masterworks, contemporary and diverse musical voices, and extraordinary guest artists. His artistic vision is deeply aligned with New Century’s, and he has a remarkable ability to highlight the creativity and talent that make the Bay Area so special. We couldn’t be more excited for the years ahead."

Hope Continues His Bold Artistic Vision Into the 2026/27 Season

New Century’s 2026/27 season offers Bay Area audiences a quintessential opportunity to experience Hope’s creative vision for the orchestra. It includes an electric collaboration with jazz musicians Marcus Roberts Trio; a world premiere with trailblazing pianist Lara Downes of a new, commissioned work by Clarice Assad; the world premiere of a double concerto written by Argentinian bandoneon virtuoso Omar Massa who joins New Century for its exhilarating, inaugural performance. Eagerly anticipated is the season’s finale as American baritone Thomas Hampson joins New Century to debut an immersive experience of music that tells the story of San Francisco’s transformation from 1848-1945. The new, evening length blend of music, narration, and imagery follows on Hampson and Hope’s widely acclaimed collaborative project Berlin 1938, premiered by New Century in 2022.

"Next season alone tells you everything you need to know — jazz, world premieres, a landmark multimedia work about the city we call home. That's Daniel. Endlessly curious, endlessly ambitious, and completely in sync with what makes New Century special,”says New Century Executive Director David Taylor. “What's truly unique is the way he makes music with our musicians rather than simply directing them. It’s a creative partnership that you can hear in every performance, and we are so proud to have him leading this orchestra for years to come.”

Subscriptions for our 2026/27 season are on sale now. Choose the concerts that inspire you, save up to 25% on regular ticket prices, and enjoy subscriber benefits including priority seating, free ticket exchanges, and ticket insurance.