The founding artistic directors will conclude tenure after 25 years of leadership, following the summer 2026 season

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Wu Han and David Finckel

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Cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han have announced they will step away from their roles as founding artistic directors of the Music@Menlo festival and institute, following summer 2026.

The duo has served as the driving artistic force behind Music@Menlo since its inception in 2003. In a joint statement, they said:

’Music@Menlo is one of our proudest and most cherished achievements. Over the past 25 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,’ said Eff Martin, founding and current board member.

’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 programmes for young musicians.’

Over the past 25 years, close to 400 artists have come to Music@Menlo from around the world to perform in main-stage concerts, lead multimedia Encounter lectures, coach students of the Chamber Music Institute, and work with Menlo School students during the annual Winter Residency.

Its Chamber Music Institute has provided a training programme and festival-based experiences for 563 aspiring musicians. Its programmes for gifted musicians aged 10-19 and pre-professional artists aged 20-30 are now tuition-free, due to the support of the Music@Menlo community.

Details of Music@Menlo’s future leadership will be shared in the coming months. Its 2025 and 2026 summer seasons will serve as a culmination of Finckel and Wu Han’s artistic journey, with the 2025 summer festival taking place from 18 July to 9 August.

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