Meet the Omega Ensemble

Since its inception in 1973, The Omega Ensemble has passionately supported young artists across New York City, Long Island, and New England. In 1978, pianist and founder, Doris Konig took the helm as Artistic Director, a role she embraced until her retirement in 2026. Throughout the past 48 remarkable seasons, Omega has showcased 211 extraordinary artists, including 28 who have earned the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant Award.

Many of these artists have become Concertmasters of such orchestras as the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony and the Minnesota Orchestra. Several have become Principals of major orchestras such as the Cleveland Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the Seattle Symphony. Others have become members of renowned string quartets including the Juilliard, Emerson and Orion String Quartets, while many have won major competitions around the world (see Alumni Page).

"It doesn't get any better than this."

Michael Tree, The Guarneri String Quartet

Our mission is to provide financial support and performance opportunities to exceptional young musicians who have already garnered recognition in the field. These outstanding artists are featured in both solo & chamber music concerts alongside skilled pianists who bring extensive performance experience, providing an ideal platform for these talented musicians to shine.

Presenting & Supporting the
Next Generation of World Class Artists

“...the Cleveland Orchestra first became interested in me as a candidate for their principal cello position after watching and hearing a few of my performances with the Omega Ensemble... The Omega Ensemble can offer young artists exposure that is critical to their ultimate success.”

— Mark Kosower, Principal Cellist, Cleveland Orchestra

“One of the first opportunities I had after graduating from Juilliard was performing with Omega and getting paid for it! I am so grateful that Omega hired me, which was an important part of the beginning of my career, as it was for many artists who now have very successful careers in the music world.”

— Frank Huang, Violinist, Concertmaster New York Philharmonic

“These collaborations and performance opportunities were an important part of my development, as they have been for countless other young musicians over the past 37 years.”

— Joseph Lin, First Violinist, Juilliard String Quartet, 2011–2018

“The Omega Ensemble is an oasis to our fatigued, weary souls. Although your mission is to help young artists, your music also helps to mend and lift our spirits. Many blessings to you Omega!”

-A Friend of Omega

Joseph Lin 3, photo by Norikatsu Aida.jp

Alumni Honorees

The Omega Ensemble proudly celebrates a unique and extraordinary aspect of our legacy: Over the years, we have showcased eight remarkable artists who have gone on to achieve significant acclaim in the larger music world, and were honored to recognize these talented individuals in a special benefit concert. These exceptional artists graced our stage between 1991 and 2009, leaving a lasting impact on our community and the music scene.