Nikki Chooi Extends Concertmaster Contract With Buffalo Philharmonic

01 September 2025

Beginning his tenure as concertmaster in 2019, he will continue in the role after his current contract with the orchestra ends on August 31, 2026.

Throughout the past six years with the BPO, Nikki has performed concertos each year in the Classics series, appeared in a duo with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and been a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall.

More projects have included recording for a BPO album on Naxos Records, and the inaugural “BPO UpClose” concert in 2024, which offered in-the-round seating and an un-conducted program.

The BPO’s 2025/26 season will spotlight Chooi as a soloist in their two-weekend Beethoven Festival, with performances on October 17 and 18, followed by Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” on October 24 and 25.

“I speak for myself and for our BPO musicians in expressing our joy at Nikki Chooi's contract extension,” said BPO Music Director JoAnn Falletta. “Nikki has been an exemplary leader, a deeply inspiring musician, and a great colleague, and he is loved by our entire Philharmonic family. Nikki has distinguished himself by his superb performances as a soloist, chamber player and concertmaster, and his influence has helped the Buffalo Philharmonic attain an unprecedented level of artistic achievement.”

“I'm truly excited to continue my journey with the BPO,” Nikki expressed. “It's a privilege to make music alongside JoAnn, my wonderful colleagues, and to share these experiences with our incredible Buffalo community. This season I'm especially looking forward to performing the Beethoven Violin Concerto, Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, and going on tour to Florida with Brahms' Symphony No. 1.”