Today, the Hawai‘i Chamber Music Festival (HCMF) is pleased to announce the extension of internationally acclaimed violinist Stefan Jackiw as Artistic Director through the 2031 season, effective July 1, 2026. Since assuming the role in 2023, Jackiw has been central to shaping the festival’s artistic vision, strengthening its identity as a destination for world-class chamber music in Hawai‘i, and elevating its programming through an artist-driven approach grounded in excellence, collaboration, and community.
Under Jackiw’s artistic leadership, HCMF has continued to expand its roster of internationally recognized musicians and deepen the artistic caliber of its programming. Artists featured during his tenure have included members of Brooklyn Rider, including Michael Nicolas and Nicholas Cords, pianist Sean Kennard, and the Junction Trio. The 2026 season further reflects this trajectory, featuring performances by Cynthia Phelps, pianist Janice Carissa, cellist Nicolas Canellakis, and pianist Inon Barnatan, among others.
Jackiw’s curatorial vision has emphasized artistic dialogue between established and emerging voices, creating programs that bring leading international performers into close collaboration with Hawai‘i’s cultural community while maintaining the highest level of chamber music performance.
“From the very beginning of Stefan’s involvement with HCMF, it was clear that he would be a defining artistic voice for our organization,” said Chris Yick, Founder and President of HCMF. “His artistry elevates every aspect of the festival—from our musicians to our audiences—and his presence has become central to who we are. We are deeply grateful to continue this collaboration and to have him as part of our ‘ohana as we look toward the future. The future is bright, and I look forward to continuing to build the festival’s vision together, creating meaningful and lasting impact.”
Reflecting on his continued leadership role, Stefan Jackiw said, “I’m honored to continue my role as Artistic Director. Hawai‘i is universally known as paradise—the weather, the ocean, the landscape—but for me it has truly become a second home. What I have come to understand is that what makes this place so extraordinary is its people and its community. I have been fortunate to mentor the next generation of young musicians and to perform each summer alongside world-class artists. It has been a privilege to grow with the festival, and with aloha I remain deeply committed to continuing to shape its artistic direction in Hawai‘i and to share that vision with the world.”
In recognition of this milestone extension, The Kahala Hotel & Resort, HCMF’s long-standing Title Presenting Sponsor, will induct Stefan Jackiw into its Wall of Fame. The Kahala has long been recognized as a historic gathering place for international cultural figures, having hosted artists and icons including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Stevie Wonder, Liza Minnelli, Sir Elton John, George Clooney, Rihanna, and many others. Jackiw’s induction places him among this distinguished roster in recognition of his artistic impact and contributions to Hawai‘i’s cultural landscape. Stefan’s extension is also made possible due to the generosity of HCMF supporters Hung Fan and Michael Feldman.
Beyond its artistic programming, HCMF remains deeply committed to education through its tuition-free Young Artist Program at La Pietra, which provides intensive training, mentorship, and performance opportunities for Hawai‘i’s most promising young musicians. Through this program, both Jackiw and HCMF leadership reaffirm a shared commitment not only to advancing the artistic landscape of Hawai‘i, but also to investing meaningfully in the next generation of local artists and ensuring access to high-level musical education regardless of financial circumstance.
The extension of Jackiw’s artistic directorship through 2031 affirms the continued artistic trajectory of HCMF under his leadership and his ongoing role in shaping the festival’s vision for chamber music in Hawai‘i.
