Enjoying a tremendous artistic career, Cuban-born Andrés Cárdenes has performed as a soloist with more than 100 orchestras and served as Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for 21 seasons and as the Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra since 1999. Resigning his position at the conclusion of the 2009-2010 season, he will focus on an ambitious recording project of 25 concertos as well as conducting and soloing internationally. Cárdenes continues to teach and maintain a studio at the Carnegie Mellon University as well as guest teaching at the Curtis Institute, Toronto's Royal Conservatory, Shanghai Conservatory and Calgary's Mt. Royal College. He is also the President of the jury of the Stradivarius International Violin Competition.

Monique Mead will be infusing her extensive experience as a performed and program innovator to the Strings Music Festival. As a passionate ambassador of classical music, violinist Mead has kindled excitement in new listeners. Mead has been educating young audiences since 1996 and has gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim as a performer and presenter of youth and family concerts.