Virginia Arts Festival has appointed pianist Olga Kern as the new Connie & Marc Jacobson Chamber Music Series Director, beginning with the 2019 season.

Kern is a favorite of Festival fans; she was featured in the 2017 season as a soloist and chamber artist, and in the 2015 season accompanying soprano Renée Fleming at the Harrison Opera House. Kern first came to the Festival through former Chamber Music Series Director, André-Michel Schub, who attracted many renowned artists and ensembles to Hampton Roads throughout his 22-year tenure.

Kern is a Steinway Artist and has performed with the world’s leading symphony orchestras in Asia, Europe and the United States, and in recital in the world’s great halls, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Salzburg Festival House and La Scala. Kern was the first prize winner of the Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition at age 17 and jump started her United States career as the first woman to win the Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, Texas, in more than thirty years. Kern has served as Jury Chairman of both the Seventh Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition and the first Olga Kern International Piano Competition, where she also holds the title of Artistic Director. She frequently conducts masterclasses and has served on the piano faculty of the Manhattan School of Music since 2017.

Kern is renowned for her vivid stage presence, strong technique and passionate musicianship; she “can’t wait to get started creating rewarding chamber music programs and inviting a new generation of wonderful artists for the Festival’s knowledgeable and fun-loving music lovers.”

WHRO-FM aired the announcement, including an interview with Kern, this morning. You can watch the video on the WHRO Classical FM Facebook page. Stay tuned for more information on Virginia Arts Festival’s upcoming season.

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