Originally from Southern California, Elizabeth Oka is the violist with Kassia Music, a contemporary chamber ensemble in Washington, DC. She has performed as Assistant Principal Violist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra/Washington National Opera and Principal Viola of the Des Moines Metro Opera Orchestra. She has also played with several orchestras including the Baltimore Symphony, the Indianapolis Symphony, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. She spent two years in Miami Beach as a fellow with the New World Symphony. In addition to orchestral playing, Elizabeth loves the intimacy of chamber music. She has premiered new works in New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, attended chamber workshops at Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music and the Castleman Quartet Program, founded and performed with Sodam and the All-Stars throughout Miami Beach, and appeared in various living rooms at Groupmuse performances. Elizabeth has spent summers as a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Round Top Festival-Institute. She holds degrees from Tufts University, where she double majored in English and music, and the New England Conservatory. She also served as the Associate Instructor in Viola while pursuing a performance diploma at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Ms. Oka’s many wonderful teachers include Ed Gazouleas, Martha Katz, and Lenny Matczynski. Outside of the viola, Elizabeth enjoys hiking, reading, and finding new things to eat.
Summer Chamber Music Workshop Participants
“I learned how to listen, how to be helpful, and how to be accepting at Apple Hill.”
“I liked the opportunity to play chamber music with talented musicians and excellent coaches in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.”
