Noteworthy

Born in Hong Kong, conductor Elim Chan has become one of the most compelling orchestral artists of her generation. She studied at Smith College in Massachusetts and at the University of Michigan, and in 2014 became the first woman to win the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition. Since then, she has built an international career leading many of the world’s major orchestras, earning recognition for her precision, expressive energy, and deeply felt approach to music-making. 

Between performances, she reflects on the human experiences that shape her work on the podium.

For me, it is always important that  the music I conduct speaks to me personally and resonates with me on some level, giving me not only the chance to delve deeply into the score but also into my own emotions and responses. It’s very special indeed.

I remember a wonderful and deeply personal moment at my alma mater, Smith College in the USA. I was sitting in on a rehearsal of Verdi’s Requiem, when the chorus director asked me to take over for a while. The heady combination of the power of the music, the emotion, my own expectations of myself, and being grateful for the unique and special position in which I found myself made me realize that on the podium is where I should be. It was a profound moment of personal conviction for me, and I never looked back.

Of course, I always need to factor in travelling and rehearsals as well as the performance itself. But I think that the personal side of one’s life fuels the performing side. There are times when what is happening on stage is an all out escape from what is happening in one’s private life, just as there are times when all the good in one’s private life bubbles over into tremendous energy on stage that can be harnessed and that finds its way into the performance.  Music is a wonderful therapy, whatever the situation.

What inspires me most is interactions with people and listening to their stories, finding out what drives and motivates them and what makes them shine. And if I ever feel unsupported or constrained and unable to be my true authentic self, I try to turn things around by asking myself what my inner voice is saying. I am learning to take note of it sooner, to listen to it more, to trust it, and to allow that inner voice to become stronger all the time.

Music is an art form without words that can help build bridges between fractured communities. It can provide comfort and consolation in difficult times, and also reflect joy, hope, and happiness. It can offer a safe space where everyone can enjoy a communal uplifting experience. I can only hope that by bringing a wide variety of music to audiences around the world, either in person or through concerts with a wide reach, and by my passion for story-telling through music, 

I can reach people through my work, bring them enjoyment in the moment, and inspire them to explore the music further. It takes courage to stand on the podium and be so exposed, and I hope that through my work I can be a role model for others, particularly for young women and girls.

You’ve got this! That is my personal mantra. I would describe my music in one word as present: being right there in the moment, deep within the music. The Musikverein in Vienna is one of the most inspiring places I’ve visited. 

Bernard Haitink has been my biggest artistic influence, and having the honour of conducting the Last Night of the BBC Proms in 2025 is among my most memorable performances. A cause close to my heart is being a mentor to young students at Smith College as part of the college’s mission to empower young women and girls for leadership. 

When I travel, I entertain myself with a variety of podcasts so that I am always learning something new, and I also listen to all different types of music for relaxation, everything except classical.

What I love most about my craft is the extraordinary connection that comes about between musicians, audiences, and the music when we all experience something together in the moment. It’s different every time, which I find compelling.

See Elim Chan with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra:

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3
Apr 30 & May 1, 2026
Roy Thomson Hall

Discover where music and life intersect in Intermezzo as we bring you closer to the artists who shape the TSO experience. Keep an eye out for more of these insightful conversations.