FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Monteux School and Music Festival Welcomes Dr. Tiffany Lu as New Music Director Hancock, Maine – [October 30, 2023]

The Monteux School and Music Festival, an esteemed institution with an 80-year history of nurturing musical talent, is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Tiffany Lu as its new Music Director, effective immediately. Dr. Lu's appointment follows an extensive year-long search process, which included valuable input from alumni/ae and students.Dr. Lu, a highly accomplished conductor, is deeply honored to take on this role. Her commitment to the School and the Monteux community is driven by a decade of cherished summers spent in Maine. She expresses her enthusiasm for the journey ahead, saying, "I am deeply touched by the committee, School, and Monteux community's faith and confidence in me. After ten years of summers in Maine, it means the world to be able to commit to making the School an even greater place. You all honor me with your trust, and I can't wait to see and shape what lies ahead."Dr. Tiffany Lu is the fourth Music Director in the illustrious history of the Pierre Monteux School and Music Festival. In addition to her new role at Monteux, she has completed her first year as the Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Florida, where she earned praise for her work in UF Opera's production of Carmen in April 2023.During the 2022-2023 concert season, Dr. Lu made guest appearances with Symphony New Hampshire and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. She also served as the Director of the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra at Sewanee University of the South from 2020 to 2022. Her journey with the Monteux School began as Associate Conductor, where she contributed to the Festival's legacy over five seasons.Dr. Lu's upcoming engagements include appearances with the Cumberland Symphony Orchestra at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival, as well as a guest clinician role with the 2023 New York All-State Orchestra (NYSSMA).

Throughout her seven years in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia areas and Delaware, Dr. Lu built an impressive portfolio. Her roles included Assistant Conductor with the Prince Georges’ Philharmonic, Music Director of the Wilmington Community Orchestra, and positions with Washington, D.C.'s Capital City Symphony. Her innovative programming left a lasting impact on the musical landscape.In addition to her conducting achievements, Dr. Lu maintains an active presence as an orchestral violinist, chamber music collaborator, and private violin teacher. Her doctoral research focused on new models in the orchestral education of undergraduate string players, demonstrating her commitment to the development of young musicians.The Monteux School and Music Festival is proud to welcome Dr. Tiffany Lu as its new Music Director, and it anticipates an exciting future under her guidance. Her passion for music, dedication to education, and extensive experience make her an exceptional addition to the School's leadership team.

About The Monteux School and Music FestivalNestled in the picturesque town of Hancock, Maine, the Monteux School and Music Festival is a renowned institution steeped in an 80-year legacy of musical excellence. Founded in 1943 by the iconic conductor Pierre Monteux, it stands as a distinguished summer training program and festival, setting a gold standard in its field.Pierre Monteux's groundbreaking approach to conducting education, emphasizing active participation within the orchestra while absorbing the insights of peers, forms the bedrock of the school's educational philosophy. This ethos has been meticulously sculpted into an all-encompassing six-week program, fostering an environment that nurtures creativity and fosters a sense of camaraderie. The program includes a rich tapestry of symphonic, chamber, and children's concerts, providing students with a well-rounded musical experience. At Monteux, students are immersed in a demanding curriculum that entails rehearsing and performing an expansive repertoire, unparalleled by any other music festival and school in the United States. This unique experience not only hones their skills as conductors but also elevates their proficiency as orchestra musicians. The influence of the Monteux School extends far beyond the confines of its idyllic Hancock campus. Alumni of the school have gone on to establish illustrious careers in orchestral, operatic, and educational arenas, leaving an indelible mark not only within the United States but also across the continents of Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. The legacy of the Monteux School persists, continuing to shape the future of fine musicians and conducting on a global scale.For more information, please visit our website at www.monteuxmusic.org.