The Strad News – Violinist Catherine Cho takes up directorship role at Perlman Music Program
The Perlman Music Program (PMP) has appointed Catherine Cho as its new associate director and director of the Summer Music School. Cho, a long-time faculty member since 2007, will work alongside Toby Perlman to lead both the Summer Music School and the Winter Travel Residency in Sarasota, Florida, according to an official statement from the organization.
Did You Know? Catherine Cho’s decorated career includes top prizes from three major international music competitions: the Montreal competition in 1987, the Queen Elisabeth in 1989, and the Joachim in 1991.
What this appointment means for PMP
As associate director, Cho is tasked with ensuring that all PMP activities align with the organization’s mission to develop future leaders in classical music. The program noted on social media that her role involves direct leadership over the Summer Music School and the Winter Travel Residency. Her transition into this administrative capacity follows 17 years of experience as a PMP faculty member, providing her with an established understanding of the program’s internal objectives.
Professional background of Catherine Cho
Cho brings extensive experience as a soloist, chamber musician, and pedagogue to her new leadership role. She has performed as a soloist with orchestras worldwide, including the Detroit, National, Montreal, and Seoul orchestras. Her chamber music experience includes past membership in the Johannes Quartet and La Fenice, as well as performances at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Ravinia, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Expert Insight: By selecting an artist with such a diverse background in both performance and pedagogy, PMP is signaling a focus on continuity. Cho’s history as a student of Dorothy Delay and her current work as an artistic advisor at Juilliard suggest she is likely to maintain the rigorous pedagogical standards associated with the program’s history while expanding its community engagement reach.
What may happen next
With Cho stepping into this leadership position, the program may see shifts in its pedagogical approach or community engagement strategies. Given her history as a Music For Food artist and her work in the Juilliard Chamber Music Community Engagement Seminar, it is possible that future PMP residencies could incorporate an increased emphasis on social outreach or collaborative performance models. Observers of the classical music circuit may also monitor whether her professional network influences the guest faculty or artistic programming for the upcoming Sarasota residencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catherine Cho’s new role at the Perlman Music Program?
Catherine Cho has been appointed as the associate director and director of the Summer Music School.
How long has Catherine Cho been involved with the program?
She has been a member of the Perlman Music Program faculty since 2007.
Where will Cho be exercising her new leadership duties?
She will lead the Summer Music School and the Winter Travel Residency located in Sarasota, Florida.
How do you think a transition to new leadership in established music programs influences the development of young classical artists?