The San Francisco Opera has renewed the contract of Eun Sun Kim, the Caroline H. Hume Music Director, for an additional five years, extending her tenure through the 2030–31 season.

Matthew Shilvock, the Tad and Dianne Taube General Director, made the announcement, highlighting that Kim will continue to lead performances of significant works by renowned composers Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner each season. This upcoming fall, she will debut a new production of Wagner’s last opera, “Parsifal,” which will pave the way for Wagner’s epic Ring cycle in a future season.

Kim, who started her role in the fall of 2021, is the fourth music director in the 102-year history of the San Francisco Opera. During her time, she has conducted performances of “Rusalka,” “Dialogues of the Carmelites,” the world premiere of John Adams’ “Antony and Cleopatra,” as well as new productions of “Fidelio,” “La Traviata,” and “Madama Butterfly.”

Shilvock expressed his excitement, stating, “Today is a wonderful day for the San Francisco Opera as we anticipate a vibrant future of music-making with Eun Sun Kim. She is profoundly influencing our artistry, infusing energy, sensitivity, and humanity into every score, allowing us to experience each piece anew. It’s a privilege to collaborate with her in continuing the remarkable legacy of San Francisco Opera as we enter our second century. Under her guidance, we appreciate the vast narratives of human creativity. It’s thrilling to think about what’s ahead, especially with her upcoming explorations of Wagner's works.”

Kim also shared her thoughts, saying, “Opera has been facing existential challenges for centuries, yet it continues to thrive. Thanks to the dedication of orchestras, choruses, artists, administrators, and audiences, we can create moments of collective transformation. In honor of those who, like me, believe our work is vital, I have agreed to renew my commitment to San Francisco Opera. I am grateful every day as we strive for the highest artistic standards, and I look forward to my first ‘Ring’ cycle in the coming years. Every performance on the War Memorial stage builds on the rich legacy of this historic company, reaffirming our mission and strengthening our art form for the future.”