Manchester Music Festival Announces New Directorships

Violinist Philip Setzer has become Artistic Director and will partner with pianist Jenny Lin, who will assume the Executive Director role

Founded in 1974 by violinist Carroll Glenn and pianist Eugene List, Manchester Music Festival (MMF) is a six-week, summer chamber music festival based in Manchester, Vermont.

With teaching at its core, it features musicians and groups such as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, The Knights, Emerson String Quartet, violinist Nurit Bar-Josef and Emily Daggett-Smith, cellists Edward Arron and Amit Peled, and pianists Ran Dank and Aaron Diehl.

Today, the MMF announced violinist Philip Setzer, founding member of the Emerson String Quartet, as its new Artistic Director. Setzer will partner with pianist Jenny Lin, who will assume the Executive Director role beginning October 1.

Originally established at Julliard in 1976, the Emerson String Quartet is set to retire at the end of the 2023 summer season, marking a 47-year tenure. As Setzer’s time in the Emerson String Quartet comes to a close, he now turns his focus to teaching and bringing top-tier chamber music to MMF.

“It is a great honor and privilege to be appointed the new Artistic Director of Manchester Music Festival,” Setzer said. “2024 will be the 50th Anniversary of MMF, which is, in itself, an impressive achievement. I hope to continue its vision of bringing great classical chamber music to that beautiful area of Vermont.”

“I also look forward to bringing my own vision in terms of programming,” Setzer continued. “My basic concept will be to invite the audience to join me for a journey each summer that will include a thread throughout the programs – tying them together – and adding an event each week that would be a discussion about that week's program and the journey at large.  We also have a wonderful Young Artists program and I will interweave their programs with the main series of concerts.”

MMF offers a full-scholarship Young Artists Program for string players and pianists ages 18-26 during the festival season. In 2023, MMF launched the Rising Stars Program for exceptional alumni of the Young Artists Program — with the opportunity to perform alongside the guest artists at MMF.

Pianist Jenny Lin is a Steinway Artist, with a discography of over 50 releases. She has a close affinity with Philip Glass, whose Etudes she performs globally. Her passion for education led her to create “Melody’s Mostly Musical Day,” a musical picture book for children told in classical piano pieces, which she developed into a multimedia concert that has toured the continent.

“I am deeply honored to accept the role of Executive Director for the Manchester Music Festival, especially as we approach such a monumental milestone,” Lin said. “Having been immersed in music for most of my life, the opportunity to lead this esteemed festival is both a personal and professional pinnacle. As the Festival celebrates this golden anniversary, I look forward to working alongside Philip Setzer, one of the greatest artists of our time, in supporting his vision to create memorable musical experiences and inspire the next generation of musicians. I am eager to build on the rich legacy of the festival and explore new opportunities to expand its reach and impact.”