Mei-Ann Chen: 8th Shanghai International Conducting Masterclass

Mei-Ann Chen is a dynamic Taiwanese-American conductor, educator, and mentor. She is Music Director of the Chicago Sinfonietta and Chief Conductor of recreation – Großes Orchester Graz.

In July 2026, she will become Director of Orchestral Activities and Chair of Conducting at the Manhattan School of Music.

With 14 years of growth, the Shanghai International Conducting Masterclass (SICM) is now one of the leading names in global conducting education.

Markus Stenz, Jorma Panula, Thomas Sanderling, John Nelson were served as mentors. Around 10 participants are selected each year from hundreds of applicants worldwide (acceptance rate below 10%), with free tuition. Students rehearse directly with the orchestra, receive real-time feedback, and perform a final public concert. Over 30 countries have been represented, creating a premier platform for young conductors to gain top-level professional training.