New Director Named to Memphis Symphony Orchestra

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Memphis Orchestral Society announces the appointment of Mei-Ann Chen as the fourth music director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Selected by a twelve member search committee comprised of MSO musicians, board members and community leaders, Ms. Chen’s appointment was also unanimously approved by the orchestra’s Board of Directors.

Regarded as a rising star among young conductors, Ms. Chen will begin a three-year contract with the MSO effective with the 2010-2011 season. During her inaugural season, Chen will conduct ten weeks of concerts as a part of all of the MSO series including the First Tennessee Masterworks Series, the Memphis Symphony Pops, and the Paul & Linnea Bert Chamber Series. She will conduct twelve weeks in each of the remaining two years of her initial contract.

Ms. Chen will come to Memphis on February 22, 2010 to celebrate her appointment with Memphis Symphony Orchestra family, community leaders, and members of the media.

Ms. Chen, currently Assistant Conductor and League of American Orchestras Conducting Fellow with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, was one of four candidates vying for the position left vacant when Maestro David Loebel announced his departure in 2008 after serving for 10 years.

“We could not be more elated to have such a renowned conductor join our great orchestra and community,” said Michael D. Uiberall, Chairman of the Memphis Symphony Board of Directors. “We look forward to her leadership and infectious enthusiasm toward music making.”

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Memphis Symphony Orchestra as its next music director,” comments Mei-Ann Chen. “I see my time in Memphis as a terrific opportunity to contribute to the cultural life of the orchestra and to the greater community. Together, the orchestra and I will introduce new ideas and exciting music that will inspire and engage all who come in contact with this wonderful orchestra."