As a recitalist and chamber musician, violinist Emily Kalish creates thoughtful and intimate programs of classical and contemporary music. Whether it’s a deep dive into a particular composer’s work (Hindemith’s complete works for violin and piano) or a moment in history (a concert of music all written or premiered in 1924, complete with period costumes and a vintage jazz band for dancing), a program of music by 20th and 21st century women or, more typically, a varied program juxtaposing works of different styles and eras, she always creates an emotionally transformative experience for the listener.

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Since its inception in 2015, Ms. Kalish has been performing and producing chamber music for The Dream Unfinished, an organization that engages audiences with issues of social justice and civil rights through performances of works by under-represented composers in partnership with activists and community organizations. Representing The Dream Unfinished, she has  performed with pianist Kyle Walker at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Storm King Arts Center, New York Society for Ethical Culture, WNYC’s The Greene Space, Erie Cultural Council, and Dayton University’s Social Practice of Human Rights Conference. 

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Ms. Kalish maintains a full teaching studio at Concordia Conservatory of Music in Bronxville, NY, where she has taught violin lessons, group classes, and summer camps since 2010. In 2016, together with James Bergin, she co-founded Williamstown Orchestra Workshop (WOW!), a non-competitive, creative summer program for students of stringed instruments. Students at WOW play in ensembles, compose, and improvise in a variety of styles including jazz, blues, and klezmer.

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For 10 years she was a member of The Binghamton Philharmonic and for 8 years, a member of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, and has subbed with many other ensembles in the region. 

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Ms. Kalish earned her Master’s in violin performance from Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Burton Kaplan, and her Bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the Hartt School, where she studied with Katie Lansdale.