Leland Ko, a cellist of Chinese-Canadian descent, recently took home First Prize at the prestigious 2024 Naumburg International Cello Competition. In 2023, he won First Prize, the J.S. Bach Special Prize, and the Orchestra of the Americas Prize at the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) Competition, leading to his concerto debut with the orchestra this past season. That same year, he was named a Young Artist in Residence for American Public Media’s Performance Today. Highlights of Leland’s 2025–2026 season include debuts with the Orchestre Symphonique de Sherbrooke and the DuPage Symphony, as well as performances at Carnegie Hall, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, and Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall.

Professional development activities for Leland Ko are generously supported by Marilyn G. and Joseph B. Schwartz.