Tessa Lark ‘10,‘12 MM Named Artistic Director of Moab Music Festival

GRAMMY-nominated violinist Tessa Lark ‘10 ‘12 MM has been appointed Artistic Director of the Moab Music Festival (MMF), succeeding co-founders Michael Barrett and Leslie Tomkins, who led the festival for 33 years.

Celebrated for her astounding versatility and artistry, Tessa has captivated audiences worldwide with her mastery of classical and bluegrass traditions, inspired by her Kentucky roots. She was a 2020 GRAMMY nominee for the violin concerto written for her by Michael Torke titled Sky. She has also performed with major orchestras including the San Francisco Symphony, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and Royal Scottish National Orchestra, as well as in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, London’s Wigmore Hall, and Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw.

As Artistic Director, Tessa brings a vision shaped by her dual passions for classical and Appalachian music. Her recent album, The Stradgrass Sessions, showcases this blend and includes collaborations with Jon Batiste and Sierra Hull. Her appointment marks a new chapter for MMF, which has grown from a grassroots event in 1992 to an internationally celebrated festival. The 2025 season, running from August 27 to September 12, promises to showcase Tessa's boundary-pushing artistry alongside the festival’s iconic “music in concert with the landscape” experiences.

We applaud you, Tessa!