Meet the Omega Ensemble

Since 1973, The Omega Ensemble has been a major supporter of young artists in New York City, Long Island, and the New England area. In 1978, Doris Konig, pianist, became the Artistic Director. Since that time, Omega has presented 211 extraordinary artists, 28 of who have been awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant Award and have been given significant exposure and support at the beginning of their careers.

Many of these artists have become Concertmasters of such orchestras as the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chicago symphony Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra. Several have become Principal Cellists of orchestras such as the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Others have become members of major string quartets including the Juilliard, Emerson and Orion String Quartets. 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

Presenting and 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

Kevin Zhu

Daniel Hass

Jeremiah Blacklow

The mission of the Omega Ensemble is to present extraordinary young string players who have already received recognition but still need financial support and exposure. They are presented in concerts, performing both solo and in chamber music with piano. The pianists who are chosen have significant experience performing chamber music, which creates an ideal performance opportunity for the string players.

Alumni Honorees

A Unique and Extraordinary Aspect of the Omega Ensemble is that we have presented eight artists over the years that now have spectacular positions in the greater music world. Additionally we have subsequently chosen these artists to be honorees at our annual Benefit at the Racquet and Tennis Club. These Artists performed between 1991 and 2009.