Music@Menlo Founding Directors to Step Down

After 25 years, the festival’s artistic directors David Finckel and Wu Han will conclude their tenure next summer

Founded in 2003, the Music@Menlo festival and institute was created by cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han, who both serve as founding artistic directors. 

The couple has now announced their plans to step down from their roles following the summer 2026 season. 

Since its inception, Music@Menlo has become renowned for its innovative programming, world-class performances, commitment to education, and influence on the global chamber music community. 

Having built an annual budget of 2.5 million, the festival’s annual attendance now exceeds 10,000. 

From 2004, Finckel and Han have also been artistic directors of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS), which they have contributed to as performers, educators, entrepreneurs, and recording artists — they have produced over 150 recordings on their own ArtistLed label, as well as the Music@Menlo LIVE and CMS Live labels. 

Finckel and Han’s leadership extends to the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach and the La Musica Chamber Music Festival in Sarasota, where Han is the artistic advisor.  

As educators, they continue to mentor emerging artists through the Bowers Program at CMS and Music@Menlo’s Chamber Music Institute. More tuition-free programs include the Arts Administration Internship, the Winter Residency, and the International Program. 

Many program alumni have gone on to hold leadership roles at leading cultural institutions and establish more than 40 chamber music festivals around the world. 

Further details on Music@Menlo’s future leadership will be shared in the coming months. 

“Music@Menlo is one of our proudest and most cherished achievements,” shared Finckel and Han. “Over the past twenty-five transformative years, it has grown into a vibrant, beloved institution — a place where extraordinary artistry and education thrive side by side. While it is difficult to step away from something so close to our hearts, we know the time has come to entrust its future to new leadership. We do so with full confidence and great optimism, as we continue to tour and champion the art form that has shaped our lives.”

“Music@Menlo was created from the inspiration, passion, and unwavering commitment of our founders, David Finckel and Wu Han,” added founding and current board member Eff Martin. “The Board expresses its immense gratitude for their years of dedication — to presenting the finest chamber music of our time and to nurturing its future through Music@Menlo’s unparalleled education programs for young musicians.” 

“David and Wu Han’s leadership has been truly visionary,” Music@Menlo Executive Director John Robinson continued. “We are excited to continue their tradition of excellence into the future.”