Thomas Osuga

Known for his dynamic embrace of established and emerging repertories, Curator/Music Director for Puffin’s On the Rise Piano and Chamber Music Concert Series, Founder/Director of Aurista Chamber Music, nominated by Cleveland Japanese American Citizens League as Japanese American of the Biennium for his Japanese and Internment piano performances, Mannes College’s Preparatory Piano Co-liaison and Music History faculty, Co-Curator of newly founded Mannes Musicale 2007-08, pianist Thomas Osuga speaks passionately to the role and relevance of music in our culture and society. He has collaborated with members of St. Luke’s, counter)induction, Cabrini Quartet, and New York Philharmonic violinist Vladimir Tsypin. Thomas has performed numerous premieres including Marc-Antonio Consoli’s Collected Moments II. Numerous dedications such as Steven Sacco’s Songs of the Holocaust and Sunbin Kim’s Elegie. His professional performing ensemble Aurista Chamber Music excites audiences with its mastery of a wide diversity of styles from contemporary to classical to gospel and sensitively touches on topics including Kent State 1970, Gaelic music, the Everglades and Native-American cultures. Aurista Chamber Music was selected as the 2008 Resident Chamber Music Ensemble at New York University Steinhardt School’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. He and Aurista recently toured Ohio and have been featured at Yale Club (NY) and the American Museum of Natural History. Thomas adjudicates for many piano competitions including 2008 Alberti International Piano Competitions, Mannes College’s Preparatory auditions and juries, 2007 Young People’s Music Program of the Chinese American Cultural Association, Cecilia Music Club and Westminster Conservatory. Has has appeared solo under auspices for Pianists for the New Millennium, Composers Collaborative’s Solo Flights Series, Trinity Church’s Noon-day Concerts, Left Forum (Stony Brook), NY State Arts Council, Ohio Arts Council, Concerts-to-Go, Music for All Seasons, Center for Women in Music. Recordings on Capstone, Legacy and Coronet labels. Ph.D. studies at NYU and Pi Lambda Theta member. He and his wife, Li-Chen Hwang are the proud parents of two lovely daughters ages 9 and 11.