March 21 – Beethoven 200: Returning to the Source – ZaRiah Woodwind Quintet

A world-class emerging ensemble, ZaRiah is a collaboration of multifaceted artists passionate about creating performances that are both artistically compelling and deeply human. ZaRiah is the Grand Prize winner of the 2026 Fischoff National Chamber Music competition, an honor that has not been won by a wind quintet in nearly three decades.

Known for their vibrant energy and genuine connection with audiences, the ensemble brings afresh and engaging approach to the chamber music world. The ensemble recently earned First Prize at the Frances Walton Chamber Music Competition presented by the Ladies Musical Club of Seattle (LMC), marking the first wind quintet to ever win this competition.

ZaRiah is the 2026 Artist-in-Residence with the Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City. In 2025, ZaRiah was in residence at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, where they presented multiple concerts featuring a diverse selection of repertoire. This summer, ZaRiah will be in residence as Shouse Artists for the 2026 Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival in Southfield, Michigan.

Members of ZaRiah have performed and toured extensively all over the world to countries suchas China, Korea, France, Germany, Austria, England, as well as Prague, and have also toured with Broadway productions. In addition, ZaRiah’s members are accomplished orchestral musicians, having performed with ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Artosphere Festival Orchestra, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and Charleston Symphony Orchestra, among numerous others.

At the center of ZaRiah’s work is a belief that chamber music is most powerful when it feels personal. Whether performing masterworks, collaborating with living composers, or introducing music to new audiences, ZaRiah is dedicated to creating experiences that invite listeners in and leave a lasting connection.

Formed at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, ZaRiah’s founding members – Katelyn, Ben, Oved, and AJ – have since built varied careers, with AJ serving as the Principal Bassoon of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. In 2025, they were joined by Jamison, the Acting Second Oboe of the Charlotte Symphony. 

With three out of the five members being first-generation college students and three members being from the rural south, the group is dedicated to increasing music accessibility in underserved communities.

Individual Bios To Come