Music@Menlo Appoints New Artistic Program Leadership
The organization selects Kristin Lee to lead its Chamber Music Institute and names a new team for its International Program.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
Music@Menlo has named Kristin Lee as the director of its Chamber Music Institute. Additionally, the organization appointed Arnaud Sussman, Keith Robinson, and Gilbert Kalish as directors of its International Program.
Why it matters
These appointments shape the strategic vision and educational planning for Music@Menlo's core initiatives. The roles focus on guiding professional musicians and fostering chamber music collaboration.
The organization appointed four total directors across two primary programs. The Chamber Music Institute director role manages strategic vision and artistic planning, while the International Program directors oversee professional study and collaborative opportunities.
The players
Kristin Lee
She serves as the founding artistic director of Emerald City Music and is a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Arnaud Sussman
He is a violinist who has been appointed as a director of the International Program at Music@Menlo.
Keith Robinson
He is a cellist who has been named as a director of the International Program.
Gilbert Kalish
He is a pianist who joins the leadership team as a director of the International Program.
Music@Menlo
It is a chamber music festival and institute based in Menlo Park.
The details
Kristin Lee, who previously participated in the International Program in 2009, joins the leadership team alongside her roles as the founding artistic director of Emerald City Music and a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Arnaud Sussman, Keith Robinson, and Gilbert Kalish assume their roles overseeing the International Program, which serves professional string players and pianists.
Timeline
Kristin Lee participated in the International Program in 2009.
Market Landscape
These appointments follow a pattern set by other major chamber music institutions that utilize experienced performers to lead their educational and artistic wings. This shift centralizes institutional expertise within the broader competitive landscape of classical music festivals.
The leadership changes establish the artistic direction for upcoming sessions of the Chamber Music Institute and International Program. Participants and regular attendees can expect these new directors to influence the strategic focus of future programming and collaboration opportunities.
The takeaway
Effective institutional leadership in the arts relies on integrating experienced performers directly into administrative and educational roles. This strategy ensures that program curricula remain aligned with current professional standards in the chamber music industry.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry changes in our People section.
