Biography

Photo Credit: Sifei Cheng

A native of Taiwan, Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann is a dynamic conductor and violist, navigating a diverse career that spans from Mozart performances at Carnegie Hall to collaborations with rapper Jay Z at Radio City Music Hall.
Beyond her performances, Ms. Bestmann is a dedicated educator. She served on the faculty of Mannes School of Music, Hoff-Barthelson Music School, and Riverdale Country School. Additionally, she was the conductor of the Philharmonia orchestra at Third Street Music School Settlement. Her passion for education led to the founding of Petite Concerts Inc., a nonprofit organization enriching young children's lives with live-music experiences, nurturing the classical music audience of the future.
A chamber music enthusiast, Ms. Bestmann is a member of the Solace Piano Quartet and has collaborated with members of the Metropolitan Orchestra and New Jersey Symphony.
Ms. Bestmann earned her Bachelor of Music in Orchestral Conducting, a Master of Music, and a Professional Studies Diploma in Viola Performance, all from Mannes School of Music. Her mentors include violists Karen Ritscher and Thomas Reibl, violinist Albert Markov, and conductor Michael Charry, among others.
Having relocated to Minnesota in 2018 with her husband and two daughters, Ms. Bestmann currently serves as the conductor for the JCC Symphony of Minnesota and MacPhail Northside Youth Orchestra. She remains an active freelancer in the Twin Cities area and contributes as a faculty member at MacPhail Center for Music.

---