The future of music, made here.

Leland Ko ’24 AD and Nathan Amaral ’24 GC Among 2024 CAG Louis and Susan Meisel Competition Winners

May 13, 2024

Leland Ko ’24 AD and Nathan Amaral ’24 GC

Cellist Leland Ko ’24 AD and violinist Nathan Amaral ’24 GC are two of the four winners of the 2024 Concert Artists Guild (CAG) Louis and Susan Meisel Competition, announced May 10.

For their win, Ko and Amaral receive CAG management contracts, a New York showcase performance, professional career development and coaching, and access to CAG’s Citizen Musician Bootcamp.

Ko is finishing his Artist Diploma at NEC this month, where he has studied with faculty members Donald Weilerstein, Yeesun Kim, and Laurence Lesser. He is the recipient of the Edward P. and Margaret Richardson Presidential Scholarship. Among his myriad achievements, in November, he won first prize at the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) Competition.

Amaral studies at NEC with Donald Weilerstein. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Amaral is an internationally awarded solo violinist who won first prize in the 27th Sphinx Competition Senior Division in January. He recently released his debut album and has collaborated with world-renowned musicians, including violinist Hilary Hahn, Tabea Zimmermann, and Yura Lee. He has performed in venues such as Wigmore Hall, South Bank Centre, Berlin Philharmonie, Konzerthaus Dortmund, and Großer Saal Mozarteum.

Following his win, Amaral shared on social media: “I’m happy to share that I will be joining the incredible @concert_artists_guild for management! Can’t wait to keep developing this beautiful partnership and creating innovative ways to share music with all of you!”

recent news
NEC Presents Free, Family-Friendly Concert at DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell

April 22, 2026

NEC Presents Free, Family-Friendly Concert at DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell

Read More
Choral Program Features New Works by NEC Composers 

April 20, 2026

Choral Program Features New Works by NEC Composers 

Read More
Morningside Music Bridge and New England Conservatory to Present Pianist Yuja Wang in Recital

April 13, 2026

Morningside Music Bridge and New England Conservatory to Present Pianist Yuja Wang in Recital

Read More
  • NEC Presents Free, Family-Friendly Concert at DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell

    April 22, 2026

    NEC Presents Free, Family-Friendly Concert at DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell

  • Choral Program Features New Works by NEC Composers 

    April 20, 2026

    Choral Program Features New Works by NEC Composers 

  • Morningside Music Bridge and New England Conservatory to Present Pianist Yuja Wang in Recital

    April 13, 2026

    Morningside Music Bridge and New England Conservatory to Present Pianist Yuja Wang in Recital

  • NEC Honors Violinist Adrian Anantawan with Conservatory’s Fourth Annual Marylou Speaker Churchill Award

    April 13, 2026

    NEC Honors Violinist Adrian Anantawan with Conservatory’s Fourth Annual Marylou Speaker Churchill Award

  • New England Conservatory Announces 155th Commencement with Distinguished Speaker Denyce Graves and Honorary Degree Recipients Gary Bartz and Gary Dunning 

    April 6, 2026

    New England Conservatory Announces 155th Commencement with Distinguished Speaker Denyce Graves and Honorary Degree Recipients Gary Bartz and Gary Dunning 

  • NEC Opera Stages Mozart’s “Human and Truthful” Le Nozze di Figaro

    April 6, 2026

    NEC Opera Stages Mozart’s “Human and Truthful” Le Nozze di Figaro