The Taipei Music Academy & Festival (TMAF) announced today that internationally renowned violinist David Chan will assume the position of Artistic Director in 2025 for a three-year term. A graduate of Harvard University and the Juilliard School, Mr. Chan is also a top prize winner of numerous international competitions, including the Tchaikovsky and Indianapolis competitions. His unique background, bridging both academia and the arts, is set to bring fresh energy to TMAF.
“TMAF is, for me, unique in the world of classical music festivals,” Chan said. “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 honored to be able to continue the work of this singular and vital organization.”
Chan’s parents are from Taiwan, and he feels that his new role holds great personal significance for him, adding: “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: Nurturing Future Musicians
Chan says that it was his passion for music, and a sense of mission to share knowledge with young musicians, that led him to accept the role of Artistic Director at TMAF. Beyond his own performances on the international stage, he is eager to grow alongside young artists, and he believes that a musician’s responsibility extends beyond performing for music lovers: it also encompasses passing the torch to the next generation, to ensure that the spirit and values of music endure.
Currently, Chan is the concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York, a position he has held for 25 seasons. He is also a professor at the Juilliard School, Head of the Orchestral Performance Program at the Manhattan School of Music, and Principal Conductor of the Apollo Orchestra. In addition, 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 outstanding achievements as violinist, conductor, and educator make him uniquely qualified to lead TMAF into the future.
International Masters Gather for a World-Class Music Event
As TMAF enters a new era, the 2025 festival will also welcome internationally celebrated maestro Fabio Luisi as conductor of the TMAF Orchestra. “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.”
TMAF Chief Executive Officer Che-Yen Chen is a noted artist himself, serving as Professor of Viola at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and having won First Prize winner at the Primrose International Viola Competition. Chen has known Chan for nearly 30 years and praised his musical achievements and educational philosophy, saying, “I have had the privilege to witness David’s remarkable musicianship and humanity firsthand.” He went on, “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 organization into this exciting new chapter!”
Developing Classical Music Talent Around the Globe
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, world-class musicians are invited to teach at TMAF, where they provide students with a top-tier musical education, explained Chief Operating Officer Shih-Kai Lin, currently Artistic Director of the Tonebank International Music Academy and Festival in the U.S., and formerly Director of Education for TMAF.
Acclaimed violist Hsin-Yun Huang described the founding of TMAF as truly a dream becoming reality: “As one of the earliest young musicians to leave Taiwan and study abroad, I was privileged to experiences not possible on the island at that time. TMAF fills that gap exactly, beautifully, and beyond! It brings to Taiwan some of the most wonderful mentors in the world today, and offers an unparalleled learning opportunity on a global scale. It benefits all musicians crossing cultural borders. I am humbled to be able to serve under its umbrella and have full confidence in David leading TMAF into its next chapter!” said Huang.
Lin agreed, expressing confidence that, under David Chan’s leadership, TMAF will continue to raise Taiwan’s visibility on the global music stage, help nurture more outstanding Taiwanese musical talent, and give these young players the opportunity to shine on an international platform.
