Praised for his powerful and poetic performances, internationally acclaimed violinist Nikki Chooi has established himself as an artist of rare versatility. Gramophone stated he performed with “total conviction and assurance.” Nikki is a Laureate of the Queen Elizabeth and Tchaikovsky Competitions, and was awarded First Prize-winner at the Montreal Symphony’s ManuLife Competition, the Klein International Strings Competition, and the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.

Nikki is currently Concertmaster of the GRAMMY Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under Music Director JoAnn Falletta. Highly in demand as a guest concertmaster, he has performed with the Boston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Houston Symphony, Sydney Symphony, and Macao Orchestra. Previously Concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Nikki’s solos can be heard through The Met: Live in HD broadcasts in productions of Verdi’s La Traviata, Janacek’s Jenufa, and the GRAMMY-nominated recording of Strauss’ Rosenkavalier released on the Decca Label.

Nikki has been featured at many international festivals with performances at the Marlboro Festival, Ravinia Festival, Rockport Chamber Music Festival, La Jolla Summerfest, Brevard Music Center, Vancouver Recital Series, Moritzburg Festival, Kammermusik Utrecht, Dresden Music Festival, Chamber Music New Zealand, and Fundación Beethoven in Chile. Additionally, Nikki performs with his brother, violinist Timothy Chooi on select projects and has also collaborated with esteemed artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming, Clayton Stephenson, Michelle Cann, and Time for Three. A passionate educator, Nikki has presented classes at Curtis Institute of Music, Morningside Music Program at the New England Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory, Orchestra of the Americas Academy, Sphinx Academy, Hong Kong Cultural Center, and the University of Auckland.

In 2022-2023, Nikki made critically-acclaimed debuts at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium as soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic and at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall with Orchestra NOW. He was also featured soloist with the Vancouver Symphony, Puerto Rico Symphony, National Taiwan Symphony Festival Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony, Hamilton Philharmonic, and Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. In past seasons, he has appeared as soloist with orchestras across Canada and internationally including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Victoria Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Wallonie, National Orchestra of Belgium, Auckland Philharmonia, Malaysian Philharmonic, and Hong Kong Philharmonic.

Nikki began his studies at the Victoria Conservatory, Mount Royal Conservatory, Morningside Music Bridge, and at the National Arts Centre Young Artist Programme. He completed his formal studies at the Curtis Institute and the Juilliard School under the mentorship of Joseph Silverstein, Ida Kavafian, and Donald Weilerstein.

He has recorded for Naxos, Beau Fleuve, Atoll, and Decca labels. Nikki performs on a 1713 Stradivarius graciously provided by the company CANIMEX INC. from Drummondville, Quebec; a 1749 G.B Guadagnini on extended loan through the Stradivari Society of Chicago; and a 2016 Joseph Curtin. Nikki proudly endorses Thomastik-Infeld strings.

Double bassist Jonathan Borden is a dedicated member of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has performed since 2014. A Juilliard-trained musician, Borden’s commitment to the orchestra extends beyond his musical contributions. He has actively volunteered his time on the Board of Trustees, shaping the organization’s strategic direction through his involvement in Education, Marketing, and Artistic committees.

Driven by a passion for making classical music accessible, Borden has spearheaded initiatives aimed at expanding the orchestra’s audience. His accomplishments include the introduction of the video program note in 2024 and the ongoing Musician’s Nightcap series, where he leads engaging discussions with fellow musicians to answer audience questions.

Beyond his orchestral duties, Borden is an educator, sharing his expertise through outreach programs and private lessons. His commitment to fostering a love of classical music is evident in his ability to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Outside of his musical duties, Borden can be found on the tennis court, the golf course, or the curling rink. Learn more at jonathanbordenbass.com.