Violist Emily Brandenburg joins as the school’s new director, while violinist Jessica Lee and bassist Hal Robinson join as distinguished artists
The Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University’s School of Music in Macon, Georgia, has announced the appointment of violist Emily Brandenburg to the faculty as the school’s new director for the upcoming 2026 autumn semester.
An alumna of the McDuffie Center’s Class of 2013, Brandenburg also holds degrees from the New England Conservatory and Yale University, served as artist in residence at the University of Evansville, and has performed as a member of the Cassatt Quartet as well as with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Albany Symphony, Princeton Symphony, Portland Symphony and many others.
A certified Suzuki teacher, Brandenburg maintains a private violin and viola studio in New York City and serves on the faculty at Riverdale Country School.
Brandenburg said: ’I am excited to work alongside an extraordinary roster of world-class artists as we guide and inspire the next generation of musicians.’
Along with Brandenburg’s appointment ahead of autumn 2026, the McDuffie Center will welcome two more performers to the school’s faculty as distinguished artists.
Violinist Jessica Lee will co-lead the school’s violin studio alongside distinguished artist Stefan Jackiw. Lee is currently assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra and associate concertmaster of the Oregon Symphony.
Double bassist Hal Robinson will co-lead the bass studio with fellow distinguished artist Daniel Tosky, following his time as principal bassist of the Philadelphia Orchestra and on the faculty of the Curtis Institute and the Juilliard School.
Current distinguished artist violist Lawrence Dutton will curate the Center’s Fabian Concert Series beginning in autumn 2026.
These moves come as current artistic director Amy Schwartz Moretti is set to depart the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at the end of this academic year to concentrate on her performing career.
’I’m absolutely delighted to welcome our former student Emily Brandenburg as she returns to her alma mater to lead the McDuffie Center,’ said McDuffie Center founder Robert McDuffie.
’She is not only a world class violist, but she also thoroughly understands the mission of our school as a former administrator and will guide us to even greater success for many years to come. Emily is uniquely qualified to take the baton from Amy Schwartz Moretti, her former teacher and our founding director.
’I’m grateful to Amy for almost 20 years of inspiring leadership and wish her well as she continues to wow audiences with her artistry.’
No comments yet