Milina Barry Public Relations

THE CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER NAMES DAVID FINCKEL AND WU HAN ARTISTIC DIRECTORS

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center announced today the appointment of David Finckel and Wu Han as Artistic Directors, concluding an extensive international search. “The appointment of these wonderful artists is a major event for the Chamber Music Society,” said Peter Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the Board, “and we are confident that their energy, experience, and exceptional musicianship will bring the Society to a new level of excellence.” David Finckel and Wu Han will present their first programmed season in 2006-2007, although their appointment is effective immediately.

CMS Executive Director Norma Hurlburt commented, “The field of chamber music is experiencing phenomenal growth, and in this environment, it was important for us to seek an artistic director who brings a multitude of qualities to the job. David Finckel and Wu Han are not only brilliant performing artists but true innovators. They bring great imagination to their programming, and communicate a great sense of excitement about the repertoire. I can’t imagine a better fit for CMS at this time.”

“We are deeply honored to assume the artistic directorship of America’s premier chamber music organization. The opportunity to lead the Chamber Music Society forward while building upon its venerable mission is a privileged responsibility, one to which we pledge the same passion and pursuit of excellence that guide our performing careers,” said David Finckel and Wu Han.

Cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han are two of today’s most esteemed and influential classical musicians. Their appearances currently take them to the world’s most prestigious concert series and festivals as soloists, as a duo, and in Mr. Finckel’s case, as a member of the Emerson String Quartet. In recent years, Finckel and Han have become widely recognized for their initiatives in expanding audiences for classical music, and for guiding the careers of countless young musicians. In the summer of 2003, they launched Music@Menlo, a new chamber music festival in Silicon Valley that has attracted widespread attention for its inventive programming, roster of world-class artists, educational workshop and unique Encounters series featuring the nation’s top musicologists. Prior to launching Music@Menlo, David Finckel and Wu Han served for three seasons as Artistic Directors of SummerFest La Jolla, establishing that venue as one of the nation’s leading summer music destinations. In addition, they are the creators of classical music’s first musician-directed and Internet-based recording label, ArtistLed, a trend-setting industry innovation which released its seventh and eighth CDs this spring. David Finckel and Wu Han are passionate advocates of classical music access and education for listeners and performers of all ages, participating in distinguished international master classes, creating education tools such as AudioNotes, and sharing their inspired musical perspectives with audiences from the concert stage.

David Finckel and Wu Han will be the fourth Artistic Director of the Society in its 35 year history. They succeed David Shifrin, who held the post from 1992 to 2004, Fred Sherry, who served from 1989 to 1992, and Charles Wadsworth, the Society’s founding Artistic Director, who served from 1969 to 1989. Their contract is for five years.