Renowned international music conservatory Manhattan School of Music (MSM) today announced that acclaimed conductor and educator Mei-Ann Chen will become Director of Orchestral Activities and Chair of the Conducting Program. In her new role, which takes effect on July 1, 2026, Ms. Chen will provide strategic and artistic leadership for the MSM orchestra program, teach and mentor conducting students, and regularly conduct the MSM Symphony Orchestra as part of the School’s annual performance season.

“We are delighted to announce this appointment and are looking forward to welcoming Mei-Ann on campus in a few short months,” says MSM Executive Vice President and Provost Joyce Griggs. “Mei-Ann has led the MSM Symphony Orchestra on multiple occasions – as recently as last October – so she has already proven herself a strong fit with the School and its tradition of providing both a forum for artistic excellence and a nurturing, supportive learning environment. Her leadership will contribute to shaping a cohesive, pedagogically grounded vision for MSM’s orchestral experiences.”

“Mei-Ann is a consummate and passionate artist and educator,” says MSM President James Gandre. “One need look no further than her lengthy and impressive list of past engagements with the world’s top orchestras for a sense of just how uniquely qualified she is for assuming this leadership role on MSM’s esteemed faculty.”