Lincoln Center's Chamber Music Society Announces 2021 Award Recipients

This year, the organization awarded violinist Soovin Kim and pianist Gloria Chien for their joint services to chamber music

The 2021 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) Award for Extraordinary Service to Chamber Music will be received by the husband and wife duo at Alice Tully Hall on November 9, 2021. 

The pair are awarded for their work in bringing chamber music to those across the US during the pandemic — through digital concerts, educational programming, as well as Chien’s Notes of Hope, which provided music in gratitude for frontline healthcare workers.

Kim and Chien are the artistic co-directors of Portland, Oregon’s Chamber Music Northwest and Vermont’s Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival. Chien is also the founder of Tennessee’s String Theory chamber music series and Kim serves on the violin faculty at New England Conservatory.

“Even during the deepest and darkest days of the pandemic, we knew that this award should go next to those who were working tirelessly to keep the art form thriving in the face of tremendous odds,” said CMS artistic directors David Finckel and Wu Han.

“As the months wore on, Soovin and Gloria mounted project after project in multiple locations,” they continued. “As young artistic directors and stellar performers they have set an example not only as artists but citizens of the world, and for that, we should all be truly grateful.”

“As artistic leaders, it is our responsibility to serve our communities, especially during this time of uncertainty,” said Chien and Kim in the press release. “Music elevates and connects, two things we urgently needed during the pandemic. 

“We want to share this award with our organizations in Portland, Burlington and Chattanooga,” they continued. “We are thankful to the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for setting an example by providing invaluable support and guidance to their musicians and an abundance of rich musical offerings to their audiences!”