News
The Perlman Music Program Appoints Acclaimed Violinist Catherine Cho as Associate Director and Director of the
Summer Music School
Esteemed pedagogue steps into dual leadership role at Toby and Itzhak Perlman’s world-renowned classical music program
The Perlman Music Program (PMP) today announced the appointment of world-renowned violinist and educator Catherine Cho as Associate Director of the organization and Director of its signature Summer Music School.
Cho expands PMP's executive leadership team, serving as Associate Director alongside Merry Peckham, who continues in her role as Associate Director and leader of the Chamber Music Workshop. In her new capacity, Catherine will join President and Founder, Toby Perlman, to oversee the artistic and educational vision of PMP’s premier seven-week summer residency on Shelter Island and its Winter Residency in Sarasota, FL, while driving broader institutional strategy alongside Toby Perlman, Merry Peckham and Executive Director Anna Kaplan.
"Cathy has been an integral part of our PMP family for two decades and we are absolutely delighted to welcome her to this leadership position," said Itzhak Perlman. Toby Perlman said: "We share the same teaching philosophy, instilled in us by our legendary teacher, Ms. Dorothy DeLay. Cathy has an exceptional gift for teaching and a deep understanding of PMP’s core values. She is the perfect person to help me lead our Summer Music School into its next era."
Catherine balances her new executive responsibilities with an illustrious career as a soloist and chamber musician. Praised by The New York Times for her "sublime tone," she has performed on major global stages, including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Salzburg’s Mozarteum, and Tokyo’s Casals Hall. A highly sought-after pedagogue, Cho also serves on the faculty of The Juilliard School, where she received her BM and MM degrees.
"I am deeply honored to step into this dual role at a program that means so much to me," said Cho. "For over 30 years, PMP has set the standard for nurturing young artists. I look forward to working alongside Toby and Itzhak Perlman, Anna Kaplan, Merry Peckham, and our extraordinary faculty to champion the next generation of classical string musicians."
The appointment coincides with the beginning of the Summer Music School’s 32nd season. This month, PMP welcomes the world’s most gifted young string players (ages 12 to 18) to its Shelter Island campus for intensive solo, chamber, and orchestral training. The residency launches amidst major campus facility upgrades that will enhance the student, faculty and audience experience. Celebrating over 30 years of unparalleled musical training, PMP remains dedicated to developing the future leaders of classical music within a nurturing, non-judgmental community—ensuring that no student is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.