The Grammy-nominated violinist has been named artistic director of the Moab Music Festival in Utah
The Moab Music Festival (MMF) has announced the appointment of Tessa Lark as its next artistic director. Lark will succeed co-founding directors Michael Barrett and Leslie Tomkins, who will be stepping back fromt he festival after 33 years.
Lark’s role will combine the co-founders’ artistic responsibilities, while Barrett and Tomkins will become directors emeriti.
’We are delighted to welcome Tessa as the Festival’s next artistic director. Her long history as a Festival violinist, coupled with her immense talent and creativity, make her a perfect fit,’ said the festival’s board of trustees president, Anne Wilson.
Wilson acknowledged the founders’ service: ’While it is bittersweet to be moving on to the next chapter of artistic leadership, we are grateful to have had our founders’ direction, guidance, and support in choosing their successor.
’This extraordinary festival is well positioned for the future, with the strong foundation they built, and their long and exemplary tenure.’
The 2025 season of MMF runs from 27 August to 12 September. The festival was founded in 1992, growing from a grassroots organisation to a globally respected institution attracting international artists and patrons to bring music to southeast Utah’s red rock landscape.
The festival has become renowned for its musical raft trips, music in concert with the landscape. Audience members can join festival artists on multi-day adventures which offer intimate performances among outdoor settings.
Lark made her festival debut in 2016 and performed works from her latest album, The Stradgrass Sessions, during MMF’s 2024 season.
She commented: ’I’ve already fallen in love many times over with the Moab Music Festival and what makes the community unique: the impactful relationships that Michael Barrett and Leslie Tomkins have forged through their loving leadership, the symbiosis of new classical music with canonical favorites, the complex network of the Native cultures of the region, and the presence of myriad musical styles.
’I take genuine pleasure in personally connecting with folks from all backgrounds, and am passionate about creating spaces that joyfully embrace both musical and spiritual confluence.
’What makes the Festival extraordinary is also my ultimate life goal: relishing nature and music, all at once. Sharing that heaven-on-earth with others is a dream come true.’
The directors emeriti expressed their pleasure in Lark’s appointment. Barrett said: ’[Lark] has a finger on the pulse of musical life in America, and I’m certain her instinct and artistry will guide the Festival toward the synthesis of art, nature, and community Leslie and I first imagined 33 years ago.’
’Music in concert with the landscape distinguishes the Moab Music Festival from all others. Tessa has a deep connection to that special alchemy, and I look forward to seeing the Festival thrive and evolve under her imaginative, thoughtful leadership,’ added Tomkins.
Listen: The Strad Podcast #82: Violinist Tessa Lark on The Stradgrass Sessions
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