Violinist Jennifer Frautschi Appointed Artistic Director Starting in the 2027 Season
GRAMMY-nominated Violinist Jennifer Frautschi Appointed Artistic Director of the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. Feb. 23, 2026 —The Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival (GLCMF), Metro Detroit’s premier chamber music festival, announced today that internationally acclaimed violinist Jennifer Frautschi has been appointed its next artistic director, effective with the 2027 season.
Frautschi succeeds Paul Watkins, who will conclude his remarkable 12-year tenure this summer with a final festival themed Time Signatures. Under his leadership, the festival strengthened its national profile, expanded its artistic collaborations, and continued attracting world-class musicians from across the globe. In addition to guiding GLCMF, Watkins has maintained a distinguished international career as a cellist, chamber musician, and conductor, including his tenure with the Emerson String Quartet and frequent appearances with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
“Paul’s leadership deepened the festival’s reputation as a respected artistic home known for collaboration, curiosity, and a bold musical voice,” said GLCMF President Maury Okun. “We are deeply grateful for his generosity of spirit and commitment to this community and look forward to celebrating his final season. As we look ahead, Jennifer brings extraordinary musicianship and a collaborative vision that we are confident will honor the festival’s tradition while opening new possibilities for artistic growth.”
Frautschi, a two-time GRAMMY nominee and Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient with an extensive discography, has appeared as a soloist with leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She is an artist-member of the Boston Chamber Music Society and has appeared as a chamber musician at festivals across the U.S. and Canada. Born in Pasadena, California, Frautschi studied at the Colburn School, Harvard University, the New England Conservatory, and the Juilliard School. She currently serves on the graduate faculty at Stony Brook University, mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Widely respected as both a chamber musician and educator, Frautschi is known for performances that combine intellectual rigor, expressive nuance, and exceptional sensitivity to ensemble collaboration.
“I have known and admired Jennifer’s artistry for many years,” Watkins said. “When she accepted my invitation to perform at the festival last season, it was clear how naturally her musical values align with ours. She is a tremendous force in chamber music who combines humor, drive, and extraordinary artistry.”
Watkins’ final festival season will take place in June 2026. Frautschi will begin shaping the 2027 season in collaboration with festival leadership and musicians.
About the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival
Founded in 1994, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival (GLCMF) is a nationally acclaimed cultural institution dedicated to extraordinary chamber music performance, collaboration, and education. Each June, the Festival presents more than 20 concerts across Metro Detroit, featuring world-class artists performing repertoire that spans from classical masterworks to contemporary premieres.
Rooted in a unique partnership between religious and cultural institutions and administered by Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, GLCMF is guided by its core values of Excellence, Passion, Inclusivity, and Collaboration. Through performances, the Shouse Institute for emerging ensembles, and community engagement initiatives, the Festival invites audiences into the intimate dialogue that defines chamber music.
Learn more at: greatlakeschambermusic.org