Music@Menlo announces leadership appointments

Music@Menlo, a distinguished chamber music festival and educational institution, has recently announced significant leadership appointments poised to shape its artistic and educational endeavors in the coming years. Notably, violinist Kristin Lee has been named director of the Chamber Music Institute, while violinist Arnaud Sussman and cellist Keith Robinson, together with pianist Gilbert Kalish, will co-direct the International Program.

In her new capacity, Kristin Lee will collaborate closely with the festival’s artistic directors to curate the Institute’s artistic direction and educational strategies. Her responsibilities will include designing the future vision of the Institute, fostering deeper engagement with its alumni network, and broadening the program’s educational impact. Lee’s appointment is particularly resonant given her prior involvement with the festival’s International Program, which she joined as a participant in 2009. This experience was formative in shaping her dedication to chamber music and informs her vision for nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Kristin Lee's credentials extend beyond her new role at Music@Menlo. She is the founding artistic director of Emerald City Music and an active member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Her solo career includes performances with renowned orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Nordic Chamber Orchestra of Sweden, and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, underscoring her international stature.

Alongside Lee’s appointment, violinist Arnaud Sussman and cellist Keith Robinson have been selected as directors of the International Program, which provides emerging string players and pianists with intensive chamber music training and opportunities to collaborate with established festival artists. This program is a vital platform for young professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and experience in chamber music performance.

Keith Robinson brings a wealth of experience as a cellist to the leadership team, while Arnaud Sussman’s expertise as a violinist complements the program’s focus on string instruments. Together with pianist Gilbert Kalish, the trio will guide the International Program’s curriculum and mentorship initiatives, continuing Music@Menlo’s commitment to cultivating high-caliber chamber musicianship.

These appointments come at a time when Music@Menlo continues to solidify its reputation as a premier venue for both performance and education in the chamber music realm. The festival’s dual focus on presenting world-class concerts and fostering emerging talent through dedicated educational programs remains central to its mission.

While further details on the strategic plans these new leaders will implement are yet to be disclosed, their combined artistic achievements and educational experience offer promising prospects for expanding Music@Menlo’s influence and outreach.

Music@Menlo’s ongoing dedication to innovation in chamber music education is reflected in these leadership choices, which blend seasoned artistry with a forward-looking vision for the institution’s growth. The new directors are expected to enrich the festival’s offerings, enhance alumni connections, and broaden access to intensive chamber music study for young musicians worldwide.

As the festival prepares for upcoming seasons, the music community will be watching how these changes shape the development of one of the most respected chamber music programs in the United States. The presence of internationally acclaimed musicians in leadership roles underscores Music@Menlo’s commitment to excellence and its role in fostering the next generation of chamber artists.