Omega Ensemble 2026-27:
A New Season of Extraordinary Chamber Music
Dear Friends,
The Omega Ensemble has long championed young artists at pivotal moments in their careers, and the 2026–2027 season proudly continues that tradition. The Omega Ensemble’s 2026–2027 season features an exceptional roster of young musicians whose artistry and achievements have earned international acclaim. Together, these artists are winners and prize recipients of the world’s leading competitions and awards, including the Walter W. Naumburg Competition, Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, Avery Fisher Career Grants, and major competitions in Montreal, Indianapolis, Paganini, and Singapore. We are delighted to present violinists Koshiro Takeuchi, Karisa Chiu, and Risa Hokamura; cellists Leland Ko and Ari Evan; and pianists Anna Han and Albert Cano Smit.
This season’s programs will include works by Schubert, Brahms, Shostakovich, Shchedrin, and Smetana, pairing cornerstone masterpieces with lesser-known gems of the chamber music repertoire. We will return to the extraordinary Van Alen Mansion at the Kosciuszko Foundation and introduce new venues including the Rafael Viñoly Studios in downtown New York and the Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library on Long Island. An exclusive, free concert in partnership with the Harvard Club of New York will also be offered as our way of saying “thank you” to our most steadfast supporters. At the heart of the new season is the spirit of chamber music itself: a bond between musicians and audience, forged through remarkable artists and programming in up-close surroundings. We look forward to sharing these concerts with you all!
Warm regards,
Aurelia Mika Chang
Artistic Director and Pianist
"It doesn't get any better than this."
Michael Tree, The Guarneri String Quartet
OMEGA ENSEMBLE
2026 – 2027 SEASON
Mark Your Calendar!
Tickets Go On Sale September 7th!
OPENING CONCERT
October 28, 2026
Kosciuszko Foundation
Koshiro Takeuchi, violin
Leland Ko, cello
Anna Han, piano
SPECIAL BENEFIT CONCERT
February 11, 2027
Kosciuszko Foundation
Risa Hokamura, violin
Ari Evan, cello
Albert Cano Smit, piano
and special guest musicians
LONG ISLAND CONCERT
January 30, 2027
Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library
Koshiro Takeuchi, violin
Albert Cano Smit, piano
CLOSING CONCERT
May 5, 2027
Kosciuszko Foundation
Karisa Chiu, violin
Leland Ko, cello
Albert Cano Smit, piano
Additional concerts: Dates and details are forthcoming for concerts at Rafael Viñoly Studios and the special Omega patron concert at the Harvard Club of New York.
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
Alumni Honorees
The Omega Ensemble proudly celebrates a unique and extraordinary aspect of our legacy: Over the years, we have showcased remarkable artists who have gone on to achieve significant acclaim in the larger music world. All of our exceptional artists continue to leave a lasting impact on our community and the music scene.
Ayano Ninomiya
Violinist, Winner of the Walter Naumburg International Competition
Frank Huang
Violinist, Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra
David Kim
Violinist, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra
Mark Kosower
Cellist, Principal Cellist of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra
Joseph Lin
Violinist, First Violinist of the Juilliard String Quartet
2011-2018
Axel Strauss
Violinist, Guest Concertmaster at the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Eugene Drucker
Violinist, First Violinist of the Emerson String Quartet
Timothy Eddy
Original Cellist of the Omega Ensemble, Founding member of the Orion String Quartet
Robert Chen
Violinist, Concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Rafael Figueroa
Cellist, Principal Cellist of the Metropolitan Opera
Erin Keefe
Violinist, Concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra
Frank Almond
Violinist, Concertmaster Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Efe Baltacigil
Cellist, Principal Cellist Seattle Symphony
Please See Artists Page for a Complete Listing of our Outstanding Artists
Omega Ensemble is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.