Pianist Ying Guan Establishes New York International Classical Music Festival; Inaugural Season Set for Summer 2026
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, December 1, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Pianist and Young Steinway Artist Ying Guan today announced the formation of the New York International Classical Music Festival (NYICMF), a new cultural organization dedicated to international artistic exchange. The festival’s inaugural season is scheduled to commence in the summer of 2026 in New York City, creating a platform that connects world-class performance with scholarship and music education.
The NYICMF aims to convene distinguished international artists alongside the next generation of musicians, establishing a forum where traditional repertoire engages with contemporary artistic perspectives. Organized by Guan Music & Arts Management LLC, the festival is designed to operate not merely as a series of concerts, but as a comprehensive ecosystem for cultural dialogue, connecting scholars, performers, and audiences.
Mission & Vision
The festival enters the global cultural landscape with a specific mission: to use classical music as a bridge across cultures and communities. In an increasingly digital and fragmented world, the NYICMF emphasizes the power of live music to bring people together and build empathy.
"I have always believed that music possesses an intrinsic ability to provide warmth, healing, and intellectual inspiration," stated Ying Guan, Founder and Artistic Director of NYICMF. "The New York International Classical Music Festival is established with the hope of using art as a bridge. Our objective is to bring world-class musical experiences to a wider and more diverse audience while building an artistic community rooted in creativity and connection."
Comprehensive Programming: Performance Meets Pedagogy
The 2026 inaugural season will feature a diverse program designed for both public audiences and academic communities. The programming is structured around four core pillars:
Concert Series: Featuring solo recitals and chamber music performances by established maestros and emerging virtuosos.
International Competitions: Providing an international stage for emerging young artists to demonstrate technical proficiency and artistic maturity.
Academic Symposia: A series of lectures and panel discussions exploring musicology, performance practice, and the evolving role of the artist in society.
Masterclasses and Educational Workshops: Facilitating direct mentorship and artistic exchange between distinguished artists and students, reinforcing the link between stage presentation and educational foundation.
This integrated approach allows young musicians to move naturally between study and professional performance, encouraging participants to explore the intersection of independent thought and expressive performance.
Artistic Leadership and Founder Profile
The festival's artistic direction is grounded in the professional experience of its founder, Ying Guan. A Young Steinway Artist, Ms. Guan is known for her thoughtful interpretations and refined musicianship. Her career spans significant venues across the United States, Europe, and Asia, representing a standard of performance characterized by deep musical understanding and a refined touch.
Ms. Guan’s academic and pedagogical background informs the festival’s educational initiatives. She currently serves as Adjunct Faculty in Piano Studies at NYU Steinhardt and is pursuing advanced studies in the Piano Studies program at New York University under the tutelage of the renowned international pianist Jeffrey Swann. Her work as both a performer and educator shapes the festival’s artistic and educational vision.
In her teaching practice at NYU, Ms. Guan emphasizes the synthesis of musical expression and critical thinking, a philosophy that will permeate the festival’s masterclasses. She advocates for an open-minded exploration of art, encouraging students to discover their special sonic identities. Beyond the academy, she has been an active proponent of arts philanthropy, organizing benefit concerts and cultural exchange programs aimed at providing international opportunities for young musicians.
Operational Structure
The New York International Classical Music Festival is presented and managed by Guan Music & Arts Management LLC. Established in 2025 and headquartered in New York, the firm specializes in music performance planning and arts project management. The company focuses on facilitating international artistic exchange and providing professional execution for professionally produced classical music projects, serving as the organizational and managing partner of the festival.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Preparations for the 2026 season are currently underway, with specific dates, venue partners, and the initial roster of participating artists to be released in the coming months. The festival invites artists, academic institutions, and cultural organizations to anticipate a summer of meaningful music-making and cultural exchange.
About New York International Classical Music Festival (NYICMF)
Founded in 2025 by Ying Guan, the New York International Classical Music Festival is an annual summer event based in New York City. Launching in 2026, it encompasses solo and chamber concerts, competitions, masterclasses, and lectures. The festival is dedicated to the vision of "connecting the world's voices through music," fostering international collaboration and artistic growth.
About Guan Music & Arts Management LLC
Guan Music & Arts Management LLC is a New York-based arts management firm established in 2025. The company specializes in the strategic planning and execution of music performances and cultural projects, dedicated to building pathways for the next generation of musicians to access the international stage.
For more information, please visit the website:https://nyicmf.com
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