Derek Tam Named New Executive Director at the SF Early Music Society

The San Francisco Early Music Society (SFEMS) and its Board of Directors announced today that Derek Tam will become the organization's new executive director, effective March 1, 2019. Tam succeeds Harvey Malloy, who served from 2009 until his retirement last fall.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my great honor to welcome Derek Tam," said Board President Joyce Johnson Hamilton. "Derek has achieved broad regional and national recognition both as an early music specialist on the harpsichord and fortepiano, and as a conductor and music director. The search committee was impressed with Derek's knowledge and passion for historically informed early music performances, his demonstrated leadership skills and his acumen for the financial management of an organization such as SFEMS."

In demand as a conductor and historical keyboardist, Tam performs regularly in the Bay Area and elsewhere. He has appeared recently with Ars Minerva, Bay Pointe Ballet, the First Church Festival Orchestra, Oakland Ballet and the Oshman Family JCC. Tam has also performed with leading period ensembles such as Voices of Music and Musica Pacifica, and has served as principal keyboardist for most of the professional symphonies in Northern and Central California. In addition, Tam is a founding member and harpsichordist, and occasional conductor, for MUSA, a San Francisco-based Baroque chamber ensemble. His fortepiano trio, the Costanoan Trio, performed at the 2018 Early Music America Emerging Artists Showcase.

Tam's administrative experience includes serving as Director of Music at First Church Berkeley (First Congregational). In this role, he produces Resonance, the church's critically-acclaimed performance series. He is also the Executive Artistic Director of the Star Valley Children's Choir in San Francisco.

Tam has served on the faculty of the NAPA Music Festival and the San Francisco Early Music Society Recorder Workshop. He has also served on staff at the American Bach Soloists Festival & Academy. He is a member of the Board of Early Music America, a national organization dedicated to strengthening historical performance. Tam holds a license with the California Tax Education Council, and a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University.

"As a member of the Bay Area's vibrant early music scene, I know firsthand how SFEMS - as a presenter, fiscal sponsor and through its workshops - has played a vital part in developing this community," said Tam. "It is remarkable to me that SFEMS has managed to function as a nationally-recognized presenter while running major educational initiatives and providing affiliate support to dozens of regional ensembles. SFEMS' success is a major reason why the Bay Area stands as one of the major hubs for early music in North America."

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