Gloria Chien has been named Co-Artistic Director of the Burlington-based Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival, Roger Foster, President of the LCCMF board, announced today. As Artistic Directors, she and her husband, violinist Soovin Kim, are responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing the artistic vision and focus of the festival, including all festival programming and the guidance of all educational programs. Chien is known as a tremendously versatile pianist and a respected arts administrator. She performs both as soloist and chamber musician, collaborating often with pre-eminent performers such as Jaime Laredo, David Shifrin, David Finckel, and Wu Han. She is among the most frequent guests at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Chien has directed the Music@Menlo Chamber Music Institute in California since 2010 and founded and runs her own concert series, String Theory at the Hunter in Chattanooga, TN, now in its eighth season.
Festival Executive Director Jody Woos welcomes the "hugely talented Gloria to our Artistic Staff. With Soovin and Gloria, we now have two Artistic Directors of remarkable stature. We've been thrilled with Gloria's performances at the summer festivals in 2015 and 2016, and know our organization will benefit from the depth and breadth of her experience."
Says Chien of this opportunity, "Around the music world the LCCMF is known for its exceptionally high artistic standard and unparalleled commitment to its community. It is a great honor to be given the responsibility of shaping the artistic vision for this organization that I have admired for many years."
"Gloria has already made a strong mark on the music world through her artistry at the piano, her vision in creating String Theory, and her passion for inspiring a new generation of young musicians at Music@Menlo," reports Soovin Kim. "As the LCCMF approaches its 10th year, Gloria and I will together form an even more potent artistic team to lead the organization into its second decade."
"While Gloria was formally appointed as of January 1, 2017 she has been an important behind the scenes contributor to LCCMF's artistic development since her marriage to Soovin in May 2015," according to LCCMF Board President Roger Foster.
About Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival
The Lake Champlain Music Festival seeks to inspire and nurture a lifelong appreciation for chamber music throughout the community. With a focus on providing opportunities for enrichment to people of all ages and levels of musical experience, the Festival presents world-class performers in concert, engages a range of audiences, and provides meaningful experiences for aspiring young musicians, composers, and educators. The 2017 Summer Festival runs from August 19-27. Details can be found at www.lccmf.org.