The violinist has been appointed artistic director of Clarion Concerts, which provides chamber music concerts and experiences in New York’s Hudson Valley

CC Melissa White 4 by Dario Acosta _Custom_

Violinist Melissa White © Dario Acosta

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Melissa White has been announced as the new artistic director of Clarion Concerts, succeeding artistic director emerita Eugenia Zukerman.

Clarion Concerts was established in 1957 and brings chamber music to the Hudson Valley area of New York state. The concert series is dedicated to commissioning new chamber music works by contemporary composers, as well as presenting, commissioning, and fostering chamber music works by Black composers and showcasing Black musicians. It also provides educational and concert experiences for young people in its community.

White currently serves on the music artist faculty at NYU Steinhardt and as professor of music at the University of Buffalo. She has recently appeared as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, and Chicago Sinfonietta.

She is a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning Harlem Quartet, and has appeared in recital at Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Carnegie Hall, and the Phillips Collection.

White described her appointment as ‘an honour,’ saying she was ’inspired to carry forward Clarion’s tradition of excellence while welcoming new voices, new ideas, and a spirit of inclusivity into our programming.’

’My mission is to honour the past, celebrate the present, and shape a future where music uplifts, connects, and reflects the vibrant diversity of the world around us,’ White continued.

’Together with our remarkable board, artists, and community, I look forward to nurturing an environment where classical music remains not only timeless, but alive, evolving, and accessible to all. Here’s to the next chapter — and to the power of music to inspire and transform.’

The Clarion Concerts board of trustees has also elected real estate entrepreneur DeWayne A. Powell and public relations executive Peter K. Duda as co-presidents of Clarion. Clarion Concerts will hold a fundraising concert on 14 June 2025, featuring PUBLIQuartet.

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