Violinist William Fedkenheuer to become TSM’s next Artistic Director
TORONTO (March 28, 2025) – Toronto Summer Music announces today the appointment of new Artistic Director: Canadian violinist and international chamber music player, William (Will) Fedkenheuer. He will take on this role in September following TSM’s 2025 Festival, which runs July 10 – August 2.
Raised in Calgary, Will has built an international career as a violinist, member of the Miró Quartet, and professor at the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas. He brings a wealth of artistry, experience, and enthusiasm to TSM.
Will’s early career was shaped by his Canadian roots: he played the fiddle and became the Canadian National Fiddle Champion at age 12. He also played classical violin and made his solo debut with the Calgary Philharmonic at age 17. His classical studies led to an international career performing with the Miró Quartet, Fry Street Quartet, and Borromeo Quartet. He has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages including Carnegie Hall, Esterházy Castle, and Suntory Hall.
Known for outstanding recordings, mentorship, and teaching, Will is a familiar face at TSM. He served as a Mentor in the 2023 Academy Program. As he recalls, “When I first joined TSM as a mentor, I was struck by the spirit of this festival—the generosity of the community, the excellence of the performances, and the profound dedication to mentorship and musical discovery. It was clear to me that this was a place where artistry and human connection thrive side by side. That experience stayed with me, and when the opportunity arose to contribute more fully to TSM’s next chapter, I felt both honoured and inspired to say yes.”
He will succeed Jonathan Crow, who has been the Artistic Director of TSM for nine remarkable years. Jonathan has played a pivotal role in establishing TSM as one of North America’s premier classical music events, with a thriving Festival and Academy. This appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in TSM’s history.
Biography – William Fedkenheuer
Canadian Violinist William Fedkenheuer is a two-time Grammy-nominee and the newly appointed incoming Artistic Director of the Toronto Summer Music festival. Originally from Calgary, Will is celebrated internationally as a performer, educator, and arts consultant, Will brings more than 25 years of experience at the highest levels of chamber music, including his work with the Miró, Fry Street, and Borromeo String Quartets.
He has performed on many of the world’s most prestigious stages—from Carnegie Hall and Esterházy Castle to Suntory Hall and the Library of Congress—and collaborated with renowned artists such as Leon Fleisher, Audra McDonald, Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, Wu Man, Sasha Cooke, Midori, Caroline Shaw, and Kevin Puts. His discography includes the Grammy-nominated albums Home and House of Belonging, as well as a benchmark Beethoven cycle with the Miró Quartet on Pentatone.
Will’s early career was shaped by his roots in Canadian fiddle traditions—he was named a Canadian National Fiddle Champion in 1989 and he made his solo debut with the Calgary Philharmonic at age 17. He studied at Rice and Indiana University and spent formative summers at Tanglewood, the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Music Institute, and the Music Academy of the West.
Currently a member of the Miró Quartet, Will serves as Professor of Practice in Violin and Chamber Music at The University of Texas’s Butler School of Music, where he co-directs the Young Professional String Quartet Program and mentors emerging artists. A sought-after speaker and professional development coach, he works with individuals and institutions across the arts sector to develop vision, strategy, and impact. His teaching reflects a deep commitment to authenticity, mentorship, and lifelong learning.
As incoming Artistic Director of Toronto Summer Music, Will is honoured to return to his Canadian roots and lead a new era of growth, mentorship, and community engagement for TSM. Will is a citizen of Canada and the United States. When not travelling, he lives with his wife Leah, their two sons Max and Olli, and their dogs, Frizzy and Lola.
About Toronto Summer Music
Toronto Summer Music (TSM) is a Festival and an Academy that serves to enrich lives within our community through the shared appreciation of music. With a two-fold, interconnected mission, we programme a Festival with world-renowned artists, and we operate an Academy that offers high-level training and performance opportunities for emerging musicians as well as adult amateurs. Through these two channels, we actively promote engagement between musicians and their audiences.
