Michael Lawrence Named Executive Director of Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival

The Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival Artistic Director Marya Martin announced the appointment of Michael Lawrence to the position of Executive Director. Mr. Lawrence, who for the past six and a half years has served as Director of Artistic Planning and Initiatives of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, begins his tenure on January 20, 2014. He succeeds Derek Delaney, who stepped down in November after serving in the position since 2007.

Marya Martin said, "We are all very excited to welcome Michael to BCMF. His knowledge and love of music and his enthusiasm for the festival's future are invigorating and energizing, and I look forward to our partnership."

Ken Davidson, Chairman of the BCMF Board, commented, "Michael brings the skills and experience that will help us continue our 30 year BCMF tradition: presenting superior performances of interesting programs by world class chamber musicians. Michael is a perfect fit for our culture, and I know he'll have impact right from the get-go."

Mr. Lawrence said, "It is truly an honor to work alongside Artistic Director Marya Martin on this storied festival. Throughout its history the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival has been synonymous with excellence, curiosity, and a beauty of performance that matches its surroundings. Being entrusted to lead the festival on the heels of 30 years of tremendous artistry is a thrill, and I greatly look forward to working with the extraordinary musicians and to developing relationships with the loyal BCMF audience and newcomers alike."

Michael Lawrence has enjoyed a distinguished career in the performing arts. Since 2007 he has served as The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's Director of Artistic Planning and Initiatives, working alongside Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han on all CMS programming, recordings, residency activities, touring projects, and radio broadcasts. During his tenure, he oversaw a rapid expansion of touring operations in the United States, as well as Europe, Asia, and South America, more than doubling the number of performances taking place outside of New York each season. Under his direction, CMS instituted a number of new ventures, including teaching and performing projects in Taiwan and Korea; annual residencies in Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Athens (Georgia); multiple year residencies at the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festspiele in Germany and at Wigmore Hall in London; and the recently announced summer home for CMS at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Mr. Lawrence served as Director of Artistic Programs at the League of American Orchestras from 2003 to 2007, where he directed conductor and composer programs, including the American Conducting Fellows Program, the National Conducting Institute in partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra, the composer-in-residence program Music Alive! and the national commissioning project, Ford Made in America, and appeared as a guest speaker at conferences and designed and led seminars. As Manager of Artists and Programs for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra from 2000 to 2003, he programmed classical, pops, parks, and festival concerts. In 1999, he was selected to participate in the League of American Orchestras' prestigious Orchestra Management Fellowship Program, with placements at the Aspen Music Festival, San Francisco Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, and Virginia Symphony. Mr. Lawrence is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan, where he studied cello performance and English.

The Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, Long Island's longest-running classical music festival, marked its 30th anniversary season in summer 2013. The four-week festival programmed by BCMF founder and Artistic Director Marya Martin showcases the mix of renowned and emerging artists performing classic and new music that has made it one of the most noteworthy summer music festivals in the country. Described by The New Yorker as a "firmly established series, which combines an easygoing spirit with an ethic of polished professionalism," the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival is offered in one of the most beautiful seaside settings on the East Coast. www.bcmf.org

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