San Francisco, CA -- The Irving M. Klein International String Competition ("the Klein"), this year celebrating 39 years of nurturing the next generation of young artists, and the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra ("SFCO"), celebrating in 2024 70 years of bringing accessible and excellent chamber music to the Bay Area, proudly announce their new partnership. This collaboration marks a momentous occasion as both organizations merge their rich legacies to amplify opportunities for emerging musicians.

The partnership will culminate in a series of concerts in April 2025 during SFCO's 2024-2025 season, when the first-place prizewinner of the 2024 Klein Competition will be showcased as a featured soloist with the orchestra. This unique collaboration combines the extraordinary talents nurtured by the Klein Competition with SFCO's dedication to bringing excellent, accessible music to the Bay Area.

"We are thrilled to partner with the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra to showcase the incredible talent cultivated by the Klein Competition," said Mitchell Sardou Klein, Artistic Director of the Klein Competition. "This collaboration not only honors our shared commitment to musical excellence but also provides a platform for young artists to shine on a professional stage with a world-class ensemble."

Jory Fankuchen, Principal Conductor of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "As an organization deeply rooted in the Bay Area's musical community, we are delighted to collaborate with the Klein Competition in celebrating the next generation of musical talent. We look forward to welcoming the 2024 competition's winner as a featured soloist in our April concerts."

For more information on the Klein Competition, visit www.kleincompetition.org, and for details on the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and its 2024-2025 upcoming season, visit www.thesfco.org.