Biography
Photo Credit: Sifei Cheng
Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann is a multifaceted conductor and violist whose musical journey spans continents and genres. Born in Taiwan, she has forged a remarkable career that seamlessly blends classical artistry with contemporary collaborations.
Ms. Bestmann has performed at prestigious venues from Carnegie Hall to Radio City Music Hall, where she collaborated with hip-hop icon Jay-Z. This versatility exemplifies her ability to traverse diverse musical landscapes with equal finesse.
A committed educator, Ms. Bestmann has held faculty positions at Mannes School of Music, Hoff-Barthelson Music School, Riverdale Country School and the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Her conducting roles include leading the Philharmonia orchestra at Third Street Music School Settlement and currently directing MacPhail's Northside Youth Orchestra, where she continues to inspire and nurture young musical talents. Ms. Bestmann's dedication to music education extends beyond the classroom. She is the founder of Petite Concerts, a program that focuses on enriching young children's musical experiences through live performances, thereby cultivating the next generation of classical music enthusiasts.
As a passionate chamber musician, Ms. Bestmann is an active member of the Solace Piano Quartet and has collaborated with players from the Metropolitan Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra. Her chamber music performances have been praised for their sensitivity and musical depth.
Ms. Bestmann's academic journey includes a Bachelor of Music in Orchestral Conducting, a Master of Music, and Professional Studies Diploma in Viola Performance from the Mannes School of Music. Her musical development was shaped by renowned mentors, including violists Karen Ritscher and Thomas Reibl, violinist Albert Markov, and conductor Michael Charry.
In 2018, Ms. Bestmann relocated to Minnesota with her husband and two daughters, where she has quickly become an integral part of the Twin Cities' vibrant music scene. She currently serves as the conductor for the JCC Symphony of Minnesota and a faculty member at the MacPhail Center for Music, while maintaining an active career as a freelance musician.
Ms. Bestmann has performed at prestigious venues from Carnegie Hall to Radio City Music Hall, where she collaborated with hip-hop icon Jay-Z. This versatility exemplifies her ability to traverse diverse musical landscapes with equal finesse.
A committed educator, Ms. Bestmann has held faculty positions at Mannes School of Music, Hoff-Barthelson Music School, Riverdale Country School and the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Her conducting roles include leading the Philharmonia orchestra at Third Street Music School Settlement and currently directing MacPhail's Northside Youth Orchestra, where she continues to inspire and nurture young musical talents. Ms. Bestmann's dedication to music education extends beyond the classroom. She is the founder of Petite Concerts, a program that focuses on enriching young children's musical experiences through live performances, thereby cultivating the next generation of classical music enthusiasts.
As a passionate chamber musician, Ms. Bestmann is an active member of the Solace Piano Quartet and has collaborated with players from the Metropolitan Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra. Her chamber music performances have been praised for their sensitivity and musical depth.
Ms. Bestmann's academic journey includes a Bachelor of Music in Orchestral Conducting, a Master of Music, and Professional Studies Diploma in Viola Performance from the Mannes School of Music. Her musical development was shaped by renowned mentors, including violists Karen Ritscher and Thomas Reibl, violinist Albert Markov, and conductor Michael Charry.
In 2018, Ms. Bestmann relocated to Minnesota with her husband and two daughters, where she has quickly become an integral part of the Twin Cities' vibrant music scene. She currently serves as the conductor for the JCC Symphony of Minnesota and a faculty member at the MacPhail Center for Music, while maintaining an active career as a freelance musician.
