The Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival (GLCMF), Metro Detroit’s premier chamber music festival, has announced the appointment of violinist Jennifer Frautschi as its next artistic director, effective with the 2027 season.

Frautschi is a two-time GRAMMY nominee and recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant who has appeared as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She has also performed as a chamber musician at festivals throughout the United States and Canada and is an artist-member of the Boston Chamber Music Society. Frautschi also serves on the graduate faculty at Stony Brook University.

Frautschi takes over for Paul Watkins, who will bring his 12-year tenure to a close this summer with a final festival season themed “Time Signatures.” During his leadership, Watkins strengthened the festival’s national profile, expanded its artistic collaborations, and continued drawing world-class musicians from around the globe — all while maintaining a distinguished international career as a cellist, chamber musician, and conductor, including his long association with the Emerson String Quartet and frequent appearances with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

“I have known and admired Jennifer’s artistry for many years,” Watkins said per an official press release. “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.”

Frautschi will begin shaping the 2027 festival in collaboration with GLCMF leadership and its roster of musicians.

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