Season Listing | Program | Biography | Pre-concert Talk
The Performers
Francesco Lecce-Chong, currently associate conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, has worked with orchestras around the world. Equally at ease in the opera house, Mr. Lecce-Chong has earned a growing reputation and critical acclaim for dynamic, forceful performances that have garnered national distinction.
In his role with the MSO, Mr. Lecce-Chong works closely with renowned Music Director Edo de Waart and is directly responsible for leading over forty concert performances annually. As a trained pianist and composer, Mr. Lecce-Chong embraces innovative programming, champions the work of new composers, supports arts education, and brings the excitement of new music embodying diverse program repertoire and the use of unconventional performances spaces. Mr. Lecce-Chong also provides artistic leadership for the MSO’s nationally lauded Arts in Community Education (ACE) and hosts Meet the Music, the MSO’s pre-concert lecture series.
Mr. Lecce-Chong began conducting at the age of sixteen. He is a graduate of the Mannes College of Music with honors in piano and orchestral conducting and also holds a diploma from the Curtis Institute of Music. He currently resides in Milwaukee. Follow his blog, Finding Exhilaration, at www.lecce-chong.com.
Matthew Annin is Principal, Krause Family French Horn Chair, of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Matthew was previously a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, where he performed on several tours with the CSO, including tours to Japan and Carnegie Hall, in addition to performing on several orchestral recordings. Matthew has been a member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Louisville Orchestra. He has also performed with many other orchestras. Matthew was a fellow at the New World Symphony, Tanglewood Music Center, and Music Academy of the West where he appeared as soloist with the Music Academy Festival Orchestra.
Matthew received a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. An avid runner, Matthew attempts to run over 1,000 miles each year. Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife, Christine, and spoiling their cat, Zoe.
