Brevard Music Center Appoints New Senior Director of Artistic Planning and Programs

Former Shanghai Quartet cellist, Nicholas Tzavaras, will step into the role in June 2024

North Carolina's Brevard Music Center (BMC), which has been running its renowned summer music program since 1936, recently announced that cellist Nicholas Tzavaras will be its new Senior Director of Artistic Planning and Programs. He will begin in the role on June 1, 2024.

Tzavaras becomes a key member of BMC's leadership team, and his responsibilities include the planning and execution of all educational programs and concert performances — as well as student recruitment and enrollment.

Hailing originally from New York, Tzavaras has established himself as a chamber musician, soloist, and educator of note. He is best known for his work in the Shanghai Quartet, a group he joined in 2000. During his time with the quartet, he appeared at many major international festivals, and recorded more than 26 albums.

As a pedagogue, Tzavaras has served on the faculties of the University of Richmond, Montclair State University, and the Longy School of Music. He is presently the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Chair of Strings, and Resident Faculty in Cello and Chamber Music at The Tianjin Juilliard School.

"On behalf of the BMC Board of Trustees and Artistic Director Keith Lockhart, I am delighted to welcome Nick to the Brevard Music Center family," said Jason Posnock, President & CEO of Brevard Music Center.

"His dedication to artistic excellence, coupled with his distinguished international career as a concert musician and a respected educator, form the perfect combination of administrative and artistic expertise required to excel in this leadership position. We have enjoyed his presence here as a guest artist with the Shanghai Quartet many times, and I can’t wait to reintroduce Nick to our faculty, students, and the Brevard community in this new role."

"As an individual who has dedicated my career to music performance and arts education, I am so proud to join the Brevard Music Center," Tzavaras said. "My appearances here working alongside the stellar BMC artist faculty have been among my favorite in my career. Everyone at Brevard is fully engaged with the mission, reflecting the organization’s deep commitment to excellence and to transformative student experiences."

"And, of course, the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina provides an inspiring backdrop to an institute and festival that continues to grow and distinguish itself in its stature and reputation," he added. "I am thrilled to be part of the Music Center’s future vision and world-class legacy."