Classical Music News

VC Artist Stefan Jackiw Appointed Artistic Director of the Hawai'i Chamber Music Festival

July 12, 2023

2 MIN READ

Jackiw will step into the role for an initial term of three years

VC Artist Stefan Jackiw has recently been named as the Artistic Director of the Hawai'i Chamber Music Festival (HCMF). He will begin in Fall 2023 and will provide guidance around programming — as well as working closely on the festival's education and community initiatives.

Jackiw is no stranger to the festival, having appeared there as a performer in the past. He is one of more than 50 artists that HCMF has featured since it was established in 2018. The festival also has a strong educational ethos: it launched a tuition-free Young Artist Program for Hawai'i's youth in 2021, and from 2023 onward has partnered with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to deliver new educational outcomes.

A graduate of Harvard University and the New England Conservatory, Stefan Jackiw is the recipient of a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant — and has in recent seasons made solo debuts with the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among others.

"Stefan has been tremendous for HCMF since his debut in 2021," said Chris Yick, the festival's founder. "As a growing chamber music festival, we feel having a superstar like Jackiw will not only elevate our artistic and organizational profile but also increase our educational efforts here in the local community of Honolulu. He is the perfect fit for our organization."

"We give our warmest aloha to Stefan and we’re excited to have another valuable addition to the Hawaii community."

"I’m excited to join HCMF as their Artistic Director," Jackiw said. "Since my debut in 2021, I’ve found Honolulu to be a warm and welcoming community. I’ve been able to meet new musicians and perform for some of the best audiences. Their Young Artist Program has reaffirmed my love for teaching and I’m incredibly inspired by the level of talent in the local community. I look forward to growing the festival and really creating an impact as I make Honolulu another home for me."