Summer 2026

68 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 6 T his Monterey Peninsula-area violinist operates in a rarified musical universe. Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu studied at Juilliard, taught at USC and has performed regularly at some of the world’s most presti- gious venues, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. She’s performed many times with actor Alan Alda and recorded for Justin Beiber. She currently serves as director of chamber music at Carmel Valley’s Hidden Valley Music Seminars and as music director of New Asia Chamber Music Society. But all that has brought her to this moment, and to Sunkiss’d Mozart, a nonprofit collaboration of world-class chamber musicians. An artist of this stature taking up residence and performing regularly here is a gift to Central Coast music lovers.“Sunkiss’d Mozart is the essence and culmination of my artistry and experiences, and it is the vision for- ward,”Wu says. “It cannot be more fitting that it is here on the Monterey Peninsula because this place and its community are extraordinary.” “We present intimate, artist-crafted chamber music experiences, all presented ‘omakase style,’” she adds, meaning that the players personally introduce each piece, sharing the background and stories of the compo- sition. And the artistry is incredible. Sunkiss’d Mozart’s 2026 Summerfest takes place June 9-14 and will be presented in a variety of unique venues around the Monterey Peninsula. For more information, visit www.skmozart.com . MUS I C I AN PROF I L E Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu Photo: Kelli Uldall