Long Time TECS Director to Retire

Karen Pellón, executive director of the Tuesday Evening Concert Series, will retire on June 30 from the post she has held for 32 years.

During her tenure, the series of concerts held in the University of Virginia’s Cabell Hall has become highly regarded in the chamber music world, drawing on international talent.  The Series has featured young performers at the beginning of their careers.  Violinists Joshua Bell and Ray Chen, cellist Amit Peled, and pianists Behzod Abduraimov and Alexander Malofeev are just a few of those whose early experience with American audiences took place in Cabell Hall.  Award-winning string quartets, trios, chamber orchestras and choral groups including The Tallis Scholars also have appeared, with the artists invariably expressing their wishes to return.

Under Pellón leadership, increasing donations from individuals, foundations and corporations have made this world class standard possible while also supporting operating stability and audience growth.  Subscribers now fill nearly 85 percent of the 851-seat Cabell Hall each season.  Sales of individual tickets and specially priced tickets for students also have increased.  Special concerts offered at no charge to area school children have introduced chamber music to some 60,000 students over the years.

David C. Speedie, president of the TECS Board of Directors, says the standing of the Series today is a direct result of Pellón’s vision and leadership.  “She is one of the best in the business,” he said. “Her successor will have the benefit of the relationships she has developed with musicians, arts managers and the Charlottesville community.”

A national search for Pellón’s replacement is underway.

TECS, a nonprofit founded in 1948, is one of the oldest arts organizations in Charlottesville.  It has an alliance with UVA to rent Cabell Hall and over the years has arranged for UVA master classes and class visits by numerous visiting artists.