new executive director, courtesy image
McGRATHPR.com – Longtime classical music producer and administrator Paul Schwendener has been appointed Executive Director of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival (CCCMF) in its 42nd season, assuming the role on June 1. He succeeds Elaine Lipton, who announced her retirement earlier this year following 15 years tenure, continuing as Executive Director Emeritus through August.
“It is an honor to carry on the great tradition of this Festival. I am delighted to work together with Elaine, the Board, and with Artistic Directors Jon Nakamatsu and Jon Manasse to ensure a smooth transition back to concert life in these challenging times,” says Schwendener.
CCCMF Board President David Farer shares “We are fortunate to have Paul on board as our new Executive Director. The Festival is already benefitting from his experience and insights. The synergies we already see among Paul, the artistic leadership and with the Board are exciting and inspiring.”
Most recently Schwendener served as Executive Director of the All-Star Orchestra, an ensemble comprised of top players from major American orchestras that has produced five seasons of Public TV programs, winning seven Emmy® awards. The All-Star Orchestra has also created extensive music education content and lessons for the Khan Academy, providing free instruction to over six million students.
Over a 30-year career in the classical music recording industry, Schwendener has been instrumental in producing and marketing hundreds of recordings with leading artists and ensembles, including the “Complete Mozart Edition” (180 CDs) for Philips Classics and the “Milken Archive of Jewish Music” (600+ recordings).
Schwendener is a Governor of the National Arts Club in New York City, and has programmed multiple seasons of chamber music concerts as co-chair of its Music Committee.
Born in Michigan and currently residing in New York, Schwendener studied at the Eastman School of Music and at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna where he also performed with the Choral Union of the Vienna Philharmonic for several years.
For more information about Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival’s 2021 season and tickets for in-person concerts, visit capecodchambermusic.org, or follow Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival
Hailed by The New York Times as “A Triumph of Quality,” the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival (CCCMF) has been a presenter of chamber music and a major contributor to the cultural life of Cape Cod since its inception in 1979. The Festival was founded by the late Samuel Sanders, a gifted pianist and accompanist to Itzhak Perlman for thirty years. Sanders’ goal was to establish a continuous presence of first-rate chamber music concerts on Cape Cod. As the Festival enters its 42nd season, it excels under the leadership of its Artistic Directors, the team of Jon Manasse (clarinetist) and Jon Nakamatsu (pianist), both acclaimed musicians who represent the top ranks of American chamber music, both as a duo and as individual artists. “The Jons”, as they are known, work closely with CCCMF staff, along with the help of an active Board and more than 60 local volunteers, to bring a stellar mosaic of talent to the Cape. In addition to its annual summer season of concerts, community and school outreach programs and an annual benefit in New York, it partners with local cultural organizations for educational programs and fundraising.
CCCMF presents the finest classical and contemporary music by both world-class ensembles and exceptional young, emerging artists to Cape Cod audiences, developing new and younger audiences for chamber music. The Festival continues Sam Sanders’ tradition of showcasing emerging talent by presenting accomplished musicians early in their careers. Over the years this has included such famed musicians as Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, the Borromeo Quartet and the Emerson Quartet, among others. Programming spans the 17th to 21st centuries, with periodic commissions from such composers as John Corigliano, William Bolcom and Osvaldo Golijov. The Festival owns several quality grand pianos housed at its Cotuit, Chatham and Wellfleet venues, utilized year-round by community members and other arts organizations.
For more information about Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival’s 2021 season, performers, mission and venues, visit capecodchambermusic.org, or follow Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival on Facebook and Twitter.
