George Ko

Currently studying with John and Mina Perry at the Colburn Conservatory of Music, George Ko began his piano studies at age five.  No stranger to Carnegie Hall, he has played on the stage of Weill Recital Hall three times as a winner of the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition, and again as part of The First Annual ABC Gala.  At age fifteen he has already performed around the world in such prestigious venues as San Giacamo and the Basilica Niccola Vaccaj, in Tolentino, Italy, as well as the Vianden Music Festival in Luxembourg.  With his brother Ted, he has played for the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles, and also the Bowers Museum during the “Mao to Mozart” event, presented as part of the Ancient Paths Modern Voices festival done in association with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Carnegie Hall.  In spring of 2009 George conducted the concert band of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School at several venues in Italy, and performed with his school choir at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

In addition to being a three-time winner of the Bradshaw and Buono, George took first place win in the 2006 Youth Talent Search Expo in Orange County, and the 2006 Musical Arts Club of Orange County Annual Auditions. In 2008 he won first place in the Music Teachers Association of California Four Hands Piano Competition, performing again with his brother Ted.

Along with his passion for piano, George plays the Chinese flute, saxophone, and the guitar.   He is very active in the drama department at his school, where his recent roles include Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, and Adam in Children of Eden, for which he received Macy High Achievement and Achievement Awards.