Pianist Jon Nakamatsu has been named the new Artist in Residence for the Society for Chamber Music in Rochester for the organization's 2016-2017 season.
Officials say Nakamatsu will be available to the chamber music group for repertoire and performer discussions. He will also be a spokesperson for the organization when he is in town, and will perform with the chamber music society at a gala concert that will conclude the 40th anniversary season.
Nakamatsu, a California native, came to international attention in 1997 when he was named Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn piano competition. He has performed around the world including at a White House concert.
The chamber music society's artistic directors, Juliana Athayde and Erik Behr, said that Nakamatsu is not only an "exquisitely gifted musician" but also "a first class human being and dear friend."
Nakamatsu says he has enjoyed an ongoing collaboration with the Society for Chamber Music in Rochester for more than a decade and he says the new title "solidifies our warm relationship and my deep affection for the city of Rochester."
