Mei-Ann Chen conducts the 2026 edition of Carnegie Hall’s NYO2, “a superbly talented youth orchestra” (New York Classical Review) that shows “a bright future for classical music” (Musical America). Among other highlights, the performance features Gershwin’s beloved An American in Paris, which received its world premiere at the Hall in 1928; Respighi’s picturesque Italian tone poem, Pines of Rome; and Michael Torke’s Sky, a 2019 Pulitzer Prize finalist that blends bluegrass and Irish fiddle traditions with classical music. This evening’s performance of Sky features Tessa Lark, the renowned soloist for whom it was originally composed, and whose recording of the piece was Grammy-nominated for Best Classical Instrumental Solo.

Conductor Mei-Ann Chen has been appointed Director of Orchestral Activities and Chair of the Conducting Program at the Manhattan School of Music, effective July 1, 2026.

In her new role, Chen, who takes over George Manahan, will provide artistic and strategic leadership for the MSM orchestra program, teach and mentor conducting students, and regularly conduct the MSM Symphony Orchestra.

“It is such an honor to join Manhattan School of Music, a globally renowned conservatory, and its esteemed faculty,” said Chen, per an official press release. “Since the beginning of my professional career, I have been an advocate for tomorrow’s artists and the importance of quality education because I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the phenomenal mentors who saw the possibilities I couldn’t see for myself.”

"Lucas Debargue gave a hair-raising version of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Concerto No. 2 carried by an incandescent ONPL under the vehement and passionate direction of the American-Taiwanese conductor Mei-Ann Chen. ... Her way of literally grabbing the orchestra by soliciting it to the maximum was quite spectacular, with her way of digging the string register into its depth and with a predominance of brass instruments particularly exposed in the two works of the program, as if the conductor wanted to reach the legendary power of American orchestras....
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After the intermission, Antonín Dvořák's New World Symphony confirmed Mei-Ann Chen's expressive style on the screen, particularly at ease in this colourful score in which she delivered a powerful breath. With accurate and energetic tempi, she has built this well-known work with persuasive gestures.... The three concerts in Angers, Nantes and La Roche-sur-Yon are sold out, a way of saluting both the program and the presence of the two guests."