James Ehnes Named as Artistic Partner of the Naples Philharmonic

Ehnes has a longstanding relationship with the Florida-based ensemble, who have given him the interim position while they search for a new Music Director

Florida's Naples Philharmonic recently appointed violinist James Ehnes as their Artistic Partner. Capitalizing on his long-term relationship with the orchestra, Ehnes will take charge of a number of projects during the forthcoming season.

The role has been created primarily because the orchestra is between Music Directors, with Andrey Boreyko having left the ensemble following an eight-year tenure.

Ehnes will appear as a soloist in two programs this season — the first in December, where he will play the Beethoven concerto under conductor Mark Elder, and the second in March, in which Ehnes will play Paganini caprices and join members of the orchestra for Schubert's Octet.

"James has been an artistic friend of Artis—Naples for many years and naming him an artistic partner this season shows the high regard in which we—and the musicians of the Naples Philharmonic—hold him," said Kathleen van Bergen, President and CEO of Artis—Naples. "We look forward to working with him in this new capacity."

"I’m thrilled to be embarking on this new adventure with the Naples Philharmonic, an orchestra I’ve known for over two decades," Ehnes said.

"I’ve enjoyed many wonderful experiences working with these remarkable musicians in a variety of contexts over the years and relish the opportunity to work with them this season in greater depth. Artis—Naples is a truly inspiring organization, and I am honored to be able to play a role in shaping the institution’s artistic product."