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KOE (Eva Ding, flute and Emma Kato, cello) is a duo dedicated to creating interdisciplinary projects that tell important stories of their upbringing and culture and performing the works of living Asian, Asian-hyphenate, and BIPOC composers. To that end they were artists-in-residence at the Center at West Park for their Fall 2021 Season and presented a multimedia chamber music show as an homage to the immigrant journey and self-produced a second set of shows at Arts On Site in late 2022 made possible by the LMCC Creative Engagement Grant. They’re also deeply connected to their respective heritages and cultures - Emma being a 2nd generation Japanese-American, and Eva being Chinese-born and New Zealand-raised - and make an effort to include pieces and composers that reflect that into their programming.

Originally a trio formed during the ensemble's graduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music, when their pianist went on to pursue a different musical career path, they thought it would be the perfect opportunity to continue their chamber collaboration and explore their journey as a duo. Subsequently, they went on to become grant recipients of Chamber Music America’s Ensemble Forward Grant generously supported by the New York Community Trust. KOE has performed at Carnegie Hall, WQXR's The Greene Space, Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, The McKittrick Hotel, and Riverside Church.

Individually, Emma Kato is a New York born and raised cellist teaching through Suzuki Methods, educating young artists about the power of music. She strongly believes that music is a universal language that anyone can speak and express themselves through, regardless of one’s background. For Eva Ding, her background in theater plays a big role in the development of her work. She has seen how spoken word, set design, and costumes, can elevate a performance experience and wants to bring that level of collaboration between the arts to classical music. They both hold Master of Music degrees from the Manhattan School of Music having studied under the tutelage of Julia Lichten and Robert Langevin respectively.

Together with their interest in and passion for community engagement, education, and interdisciplinary exploration they’re dedicated to illuminating classical music in a way that is exciting and interesting for a new audience – one that looks and feels more like the world around us.