Born in New York City, Emma Kato is a Japanese-American cellist and instructor known for her range of repertoire, performance styles, and devotion to education. As a soloist, her most recent engagement included the World Premiere of Devonte Hynes’ Origin Cello Concerto with the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra conducted by Philip Nuzzo. Passionate about chamber and contemporary music, she formed a duo with flautist Eva Ding as the KOE Duo (KOE meaning ‘Voice’ in Japanese and Mandarin). KOE was a recipient of the Chamber Music of America Ensemble Forward Grant for its pursuit in advocating for composers of Asian and Asian-American heritage; they have commissioned and premiered many works by Chen Yi, Corey Chang, Yuki Ohnishi, and Zhou Long. The KOE Duo has performed in a wide variety of venues including The Greene Space, Joe’s Pub, The University Club, and at the Center at West Park Church as part of an Artist Residency where they began their Fall concert series known as ‘For Mum, Dad’ dedicated as a love letter to the recognition and efforts of immigrant families. In 2022 the KOE duo was accepted in APAP’S YCPA program, performing at Carnegie hall. Being introduced to the cello at the age of six, Emma worked with Sibylle Johner until beginning her college studies. She graduated from the Eastman School of Music and Manhattan School of Music where she studied with Alan Harris for her Bachelor of Music and Julia Lichten during her Master of Music Degree. A deeply committed and keen teacher, Emma first began teaching at the age of sixteen at numerous programs such as Third Street Music School, the Chamber Music Center, School for Strings, Sitka Fine Arts Camp, and the Kinhaven Music School. Trained by the Suzuki Association, Emma currently serves on faculty at the Brooklyn Waldorf Private School and the Diller-Quaile School of Music in New York City.