Oregon Bach Festival appoints Ken-David Masur as artistic partner
Ken-David Masur, an acclaimed conductor currently with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, has been named the newest artistic partner for the Oregon Bach Festival, a Grammy-winning community service program of the University of Oregon.
Masur brings a wealth of experience, artistry and vision to the festival. He is known for dynamic performances and a deep commitment to fostering artistic excellence and education.
He has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, l’Orchestre National de France and Munich Symphony Orchestra, among others. In recent years, Masur conducted highly lauded performances of Carmina Burana and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for the festival.
His recordings, innovative programming and collaborations with prominent soloists and composers have earned him recognition as one of the most engaging and forward-thinking conductors of his generation.
“Ken-David Masur is a remarkable musician whose integrity, depth and curiosity perfectly align with the artistic values of Oregon Bach Festival,” said Sabrina Madison-Cannon, dean of the UO’s School of Music and Dance. “His appointment as artistic partner marks an exciting new chapter for the festival as we continue to honor our Bach heritage while expanding our artistic reach. Ken’s leadership and creative insight will strengthen OBF’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and world-class performance.”
The Bach festival’s artistic partners are charged with shaping the festival’s artistic vision, contributing to the development of the festival’s annual concert schedule, and cultivating artist relationships. Masur will lead the festival’s modern orchestra initiatives, joining inaugural artistic partner Jos van Veldhoven, who oversees historically informed performance practice.
“From the moment Ken first appeared at the festival, his connection with our musicians and audiences was palpable,” said James Boyd, the festival’s director of programming. “He embodies the kind of artistic generosity and intellectual curiosity that defines the OBF. We are thrilled to welcome him in this expanded role, and we look forward to the powerful and inspiring music-making that will emerge from his partnership with our artists and community.”
In his new role, Masur will collaborate closely with festival staff to shape programs that celebrate Bach’s rich legacy, while also exploring contemporary works inspired by Bach’s enduring influence. His appointment reflects the festival’s ongoing mission to connect tradition with innovation and to nurture dialogue between artists, audiences and the broader community.
“It is a great joy and privilege for me to begin my role as artistic partner with the Oregon Bach Festival, a firmament in celebrating our common humanity through music,” Masur said. “Every experience I have at OBF leaves a deep impression on me, especially through the probing curiosity with which each work is met.
He said the festival brings together inspiring instrumentalists and vocalists, a festival team that allows artists to dream up innovative projects and collaborations, and an audience community in Eugene that is appreciative and receptive.
“As a native of Leipzig, Germany,” Masur said, “where Bach’s spirit uplifted nearly every kind of gathering, it fills me with tremendous excitement and gratitude to join my revered colleagues in continuing to explore the many rich ways Bach, and the composers who followed, speak to us about life today.”
Masur joins an artistic leadership team which includes van Veldhoven; Kathy Saltzman Romey, Oregon Bach Festival Chorus; Anton Armstrong, Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy; Paul Jacobs, Oregon Bach Festival Organ Institute; and Sharon Paul, UO Chamber Choir.