Ma Given Role at Chicago Symphony Orchestra

A first for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, music director Ricardo Mutti has hired cellist Yo-Yo Ma as a consultant to the ensemble to lend a hand with the education and outreach branch, the Institute for Learning, Access, and Training. The formal title is the Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant, named for the board members who paid for the new post. cso.org

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Appoints Concertmaster

Norwegian violinist David Coucheron has succeeded Cecylia Arzewski as concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Coucheron holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He’s starred as a soloist with numerous orchestras and has released recordings with his sister, pianist Julie Coucheron. coucheron.com

Italian Violinist Records Obscure Italian Concertos

Italian violinist and Deutsche Grammophon recording artist Giuliano Carmignola is claiming three world premiere recordings on his new album, Concerto Italiano, which features violin concertos written by 18th-century composers Domenico Dall’Oglio, Michele Stratico, Pietro Nardini, and Antonio Lolli. Carmignola is joined by conductor and harpsichordist Andrea Marcon as well as the Venice Baroque Orchestra. Universal Music Classical (parent to DG) says that Carmignola found the manuscripts in the University of California–Berkeley’s library, which is lauded for its Baroque offerings. www2.deutschegrammophon.com

Antara Shakes It Up with Shakespeare

The New York–based Antara Ensemble will perform the world premiere of composer Ray Leslee’s Shakespeare Songs for Tenor, Flute, and Strings at a concert January 5 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 619 Lexington Ave., in New York City. Also on the program will be Corelli’s Concerto, Op. 6, No. 8 for String Orchestra (the “Christmas” concerto), as well as works by Johann Joachim and Leoš Janáček. saintpeters.org

Queen Elisabeth Competition Winner to Make New York Debut

Violinist Ray Chen, the 20-year-old who won the 2009 Queen Elisabeth of Belgium International Violin Competition, will perform in New York City for the first time on January 12 in the Young Concert Artists Series at Merkin Concert Hall. Chen, a native of Australia, earned his showcase as winner of the 2008–09 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, where he also won the loan of the 1712 “Macmillan” Stradivari violin. Chen, who also won the 2008 Yehudi Menuhin Violin Competition, will perform works by Tartini, Franck, J.S. Bach, and Wieniawski. yca.org