Longtime classical music producer and administrator Paul Schwendener has been appointed executive director of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival in its 42nd season, assuming the role on June 1.
He succeeds Elaine Lipton, who announced her retirement earlier this year following 15 years of leadership. She will continue as executive director emeritus through August.
“It is an honor to carry on the great tradition of this festival. I am delighted to work together with Elaine, the board and with Artistic Directors Jon Nakamatsu and Jon Manasse to ensure a smooth transition back to concert life in these challenging times,” said Schwendener.
Most recently Schwendener served as executive director of the All-Star Orchestra, an ensemble comprised of top players from major American orchestras that has produced five seasons of Public TV programs, winning seven Emmy® awards. The All-Star Orchestra has also created extensive music education content and lessons for the Khan Academy, providing free instruction to over six million students.
Over a 30-year career in the classical music recording industry, Schwendener has been instrumental in producing and marketing hundreds of recordings with leading artists and ensembles, including the “Complete Mozart Edition” (180 CDs) for Philips Classics and the “Milken Archive of Jewish Music” (600+ recordings).
Schwendener is a governor of the National Arts Club in New York City and has programmed multiple seasons of chamber music concerts as co-chair of its Music Committee.
Born in Michigan and currently residing in New York, Schwendener studied at the Eastman School of Music and at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna where he also performed with the Choral Union of the Vienna Philharmonic for several years.
For more information about Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival’s 2021 season and tickets for in-person concerts, visit capecodchambermusic.org, or follow Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival on Facebook and Twitter.
