Sue Buffum and Dr. Mark Bocchicchio bring leadership experience and a lifelong passion for music as the organization prepares for its 43rd season.
SEDONA, Ariz., September 10, 2025 – Chamber Music Sedona is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan (Sue) Buffum and Dr. Mark Bocchicchio to its Board of Trustees. Both of these exceptionally qualified new additions bring deep personal connections to music along with valuable leadership and professional experience, which will further strengthen the organization’s mission of presenting outstanding classical performances and fostering a love of music throughout Northern Arizona.
Sue Buffum moved to Sedona in 2017 after a distinguished career in finance on the East Coast. A lifelong supporter of classical music, her passion began in childhood while attending youth concerts by the Rhode Island Philharmonic. She went on to play clarinet and piano, and for two decades held season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, in addition to attending countless chamber concerts in the New York/New Jersey area. In Sedona, Sue has been a dedicated supporter of local music organizations, serving six years on the board of the Sedona Symphony (formerly Verde Valley Sinfonietta), including three years as president.
Dr. Mark Bocchicchio, a cardiologist with Northern Arizona Healthcare, moved to Sedona in 2024. He began classical piano lessons at age five and has remained devoted to music throughout his life. With a minor in music from UC San Diego, he expanded into composition, arranging and jazz improvisation, later forming a jazz trio in San Luis Obispo that performed regularly at local venues. Today, Dr. Bocchicchio continues to compose and perform both jazz and classical works. His musical background, combined with his medical and leadership expertise, makes him a dynamic addition to Chamber Music Sedona’s Board of Trustees.
“As we look ahead to another remarkable concert season, we are thrilled to welcome Sue and Mark to our Board,” said Nicholas Canellakis, Artistic Director of Chamber Music Sedona. “Their love for music and dedication to the community will help guide our mission as we continue presenting world-class performances in Sedona.”
Chamber Music Sedona’s 43rd concert season begins on Sunday, November 16, 2025, with “Violin of Legend,” featuring violinist Benjamin Beilman and pianist Gloria Chien. The season continues in 2026 with performances by Imani Winds with pianist Michelle Cann, Junction Trio, the Brentano Quartet and a special multimedia concert hosted by Nick Canellakis – who is a renowned cellist and filmmaker in addition to serving as Chamber Music Sedona’s Artistic Director – alongside pianist and composer Michael Stephen Brown.
Since its founding in 1983, Chamber Music Sedona has presented many of the world’s finest musicians while providing music education programs for local schools and community organizations. With the addition of Sue Buffum and Dr. Mark Bocchicchio to the Board of Trustees, the organization looks forward to building on its tradition of excellence in performance and education.
For more information about Chamber Music Sedona, upcoming concerts or season subscriptions, visit https://chambermusicsedona.org/.