From St. John’s, Heather Kao is the concertmaster of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and first violinist of the Atlantic String Quartet since 2015. She studied at Memorial University with Dr. Nancy Dahn. She has played in masterclasses for Martin Beaver, Lorand Fenyves, Mark Fewer and Pinchas Zukerman to name a few.
She is a past member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Quintessential Vocal Ensemble, and Lady Cove Women’s Choir. Heather has been a guest performer on countless recordings, as well as on TV and radio. She has enjoyed performing in many genres, from pop music with Rod Stewart and Hey Rosetta! to traditional music with Ennis and the Once.
She has played in pit orchestras for many local productions, including White Christmas, Our Divas Do Broadway, West Side Story, Evita, and Annie. In addition to the NSO, Heather teaches with the MUN Chamber Program for Youth, Suzuki Talent Education Program, and in her private studio.
01/01/1972
My parents. Very supportive. My teacher at age 12
What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?
James Ehnes or Michael Legrand
Musical composition, gardening, construction, antiques
The award winning Atlantic String Quartet is composed of the principal string players of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. The current members of the quartet are Heather Kao and Nancy Case-Oates – violins, Kate Read – viola, and Nathan Cook – cello. Hailing from Newfoundland, the UK and the US, they bring rich and diverse experience to their performances. In 2020, the ASQ won the MusicNL Classical Artist of the Year award for its debut CD, produced by Mark Fewer, of the Ravel and Bliss String Quartets.
In addition to leading their sections in the ever-blossoming NSO, the quartet presents its own recital series, programming a diverse selection of both standard and lesser-known repertoire. The group regularly performs works by Canadian composers including Dinuk Wijeratne, Andrew Staniland, Jocelyn Morlock, and Kellie Marie Murphy, and is committed to showcasing works by women and members of other underrepresented groups.
The ASQ is an integral part of the creative life of the St. John’s community and is known for its versatility and ability to work with music and musicians from multiple styles and genres. They have shared the stage with renowned classical musicians like Charles Richard-Hamelin, Angela Cheng, Ofra Harnoy, Shauna Rolston, Mark Fewer, and acclaimed Inuk classical vocalist and composer Deantha Edmunds. Equally comfortable with non-classical genres, the ASQ has performed with artists and groups such as Cory Tetford, Duane Andrews, The Once, Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland, Mary Barry, and Ron Hynes. They also recently joined forces with fabulous jazz musicians Bill Brennan and Juno award-winner Florian Hoefner to perform Chick Corea’s “Lyric Suite” for sextet.
As well as in and around St. John’s, the quartet regularly performs throughout the province. Corner Brook, Woody Point, Bonavista’s Garrick Theatre, Cupid’s Theatre, and Eastport have all hosted recent performances by the ASQ, and the group appears regularly at the Cape St Mary’s concert series.
Members of the quartet teach at Memorial University of Newfoundland as well as run their own teaching studios. They coach and conduct young ensembles, and regularly adjudicate at festivals.
We are over 200 musicians strong, backed by a diverse, community-minded board of directors and office staff. Meet your favourite players and find out how to connect with us! Click into each to learn more about the musicians of the NSO; all information is provided by the musician or individual themselves!
Persio Dominguez Piantini
Dominican conductor and music educator Persio Domínguez (MMus Orchestra Conducting MUN’26), is a fervent advocate for community engagement, cultural exchange, and empowerment through music. He has collaborated as assistant conductor with the Big Band of the Dominican National Conservatory of Music, and as principal conductor with the String Orchestra and Choir of the Dominican Academy of Music and Arts, and the DIGEPEP Intercommunity Youth Wind Band. Locally, Domínguez serves as the artistic director of the Tenacious String Orchestra, the Cayenne Trio, and the NL Latin Band.
As the new recipient of the RBC Emerging Artist Conductor Fellowship 2025, he looks forward to fostering artistic growth and creating meaningful musical experiences.
