From 2025, Chan will assume a three-year tenure for the festival, which aims to cultivate young musical talent and promote artistic exchange in Taiwan and abroad
The Taipei Music Academy & Festival (TMAF) has announced that violinist David Chan will assume the position of artistic director in 2025 for a three-year term.
Chan aims to ‘bring fresh energy’ to TMAF. The violinist, whose parents are from Taiwan, commented: ’I have a deep sense of belonging to and affection for Taiwan, and contributing to Taiwan’s music education and international cultural exchange is something to which I have always aspired.’
’TMAF is, for me, unique in the world of classical music festivals,’ said Chan. ’Besides boasting an artistic and educational level that is second to none, there is a palpable sense of personal care and musical community, where mentorship paves the way to friendship and mutual respect. I am deeply honoured to be able to continue the work of this singular and vital organisation.’
Chan is currently concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York, a position he has held for 25 seasons. Earlier this year, he took up the role of principal conductor with the Apollo Orchestra, and will become director of Credo Music Festival from 2025.
He is also a professor at the Juilliard School and head of the Orchestral Performance Program at the Manhattan School of Music. Additionally, he co-founded the Musique et Vin au Clos Vougeot Festival in Burgundy, France, where he served as artistic director for 13 years.
Chan’s appointment coincides with the addition of Fabio Luisi as conductor of the TMAF Orchestra in the 2025 festival. ’I am delighted that David has been appointed artistic director of TMAF,’ said Luisi. ’David is a fantastic musician and a great person, and I fully support and welcome this decision.’
Che-Yen Chen, TMAF CEO and professor of viola at the University of California, Los Angeles, praised Chan’s musicianship and humanity, having known him for nearly 30 years. ’I couldn’t be more excited to see him step into this artistic leadership role.
’With our shared passion and belief in TMAF’s immense potential to impact Taiwan’s cultural influence worldwide, I am eager to work alongside him as we lead the organisation into this exciting new chapter!’
TMAF is one of Taiwan’s most important music festivals and is dedicated to cultivating young musical talent and promoting artistic exchange in Taiwan and abroad. Each year since its inception in 2019, world-class musicians are invited to teach at TMAF, where they provide support and education to young musicians at the beginning of their careers.
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