T o m o k o O m u r a

R O O T S Q u i n t e t

A group of five musicians performing on a stage inside a church, with a grand piano, double bass, drums, violin, and electric guitar. The stage has a wooden floor, and the background includes white columns and checkered tile flooring.

  • Tomoko Omura Roots Quintet is a captivating ensemble that blends the intricate melodies of jazz with the rich textures of traditional folk music. Led by the talented violinist and composer Tomoko Omura, the quintet features a diverse group of musicians who bring their unique backgrounds to the forefront, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply resonant.

    Drawing inspiration from Omura's Japanese heritage, the music weaves together elements of improvisation and structured composition, resulting in a vibrant tapestry of sound. The quintet's performances are characterized by their dynamic interplay, emotive solos, and a rhythmic complexity that invites listeners on a journey through varied musical landscapes.

    With an emphasis on storytelling, the Tomoko Omura Roots Quintet explores themes of identity, connection, and tradition, making each performance a transformative experience. Their blend of jazz sophistication and folk roots creates a fresh, engaging sound that resonates with audiences, leaving them captivated and inspired.

    The quintet has released three albums: "Root" (2014), "Branches Vol. 1" (2020) and "Branches Vol. 2" (2021).

  • Tomoko Omura (violin, composition)

    Jeff Miles (guitar)

    Glenn Zaleski (piano)

    Pablo Menares (bass)

    Jay Sawyer (drums)

T o m o k o O m u r a

S t r i n g B o p T r i o

A woman holding a violin and two men with musical instruments, one with a guitar and the other with a double bass, standing in front of a brick wall.

  • Tomoko Omura String Bop Trio is an innovative ensemble that seamlessly fuses the worlds of jazz and classical string instrumentation. Led by the violinist and composer, Tomoko Omura, the trio showcases a unique blend of virtuosic musicianship and imaginative storytelling.

    With a lineup that typically includes violin, guitar, and double bass, the trio explores intricate melodies and rich harmonies, creating a sound that is both intimate and expansive. Their performances are marked by a playful interplay between the musicians, where improvisation meets carefully crafted arrangements, inviting listeners into a dynamic musical conversation.

    Omura's compositions often draw from her diverse cultural influences, incorporating elements of both contemporary jazz and traditional folk music. This results in a fresh, vibrant sound that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. The Tomoko Omura String Bop Trio is not just a musical experience; it’s a journey that captivates and engages, celebrating the beauty of collaboration and the artistry of string instruments.

    In 2017, the trio released their album "Post Bop Gypsies," showcasing a captivating repertoire that ranges from Thelonious Monk's innovative compositions to the enchanting harmonies of Debussy.

  • Tomoko Omura (violin)

    Alex Goodman (guitar)

    George DeLancey (bass)

T o m o k o O m u r a & G l e n n Z a l e s k i

D u o

A woman in a red dress playing the violin and a man in a gray suit playing the piano on stage with an audience watching.

  • The Tomoko Omura and Glenn Zaleski Duo is a captivating collaboration that blends the expressive power of the violin with the nuanced artistry of the piano. Violinist and composer Tomoko Omura, known for her innovative approach to jazz and her roots in traditional music, partners with pianist Glenn Zaleski, a highly acclaimed musician celebrated for his lyrical touch and sophisticated improvisational skills.

    Together, this dynamic duo crafts a soundscape that is both intimate and expansive, characterized by intricate melodies, rich harmonies, and seamless communication. Their performances highlight a delicate interplay of textures, where Omura’s emotive violin lines intertwine beautifully with Zaleski’s evocative piano accompaniment.

    Drawing from a diverse repertoire that includes original compositions and reimagined standards, the duo explores themes of connection and emotion, inviting audiences on a journey through their musical narratives. The Tomoko Omura and Glenn Zaleski Duo creates an engaging atmosphere, where each note resonates with warmth and creativity, making for an unforgettable listening experience.

    The duo has been collaborating and performing together for 14 years and had the first appearance at Carnegie Hall Weill Recital Hall in March, 2024.

  • Tomoko Omura (violin)

    Glenn Zaleski (piano)

Solo

Indoor performance space with a white sculpture on the left, a red curtain background, a speaker on a stand, a chair, a small table with a cloth, and various electronic equipment and cables on the wooden floor.

S o l o

S o l o

  • Tomoko Omura Solo Performance with Loops and Effect is an exploration of sound that pushes the boundaries of traditional violin performance. In this innovative setup, Tomoko Omura employs a range of loops and effects, creating a rich, layered soundscape that transforms her violin into a multifaceted instrument.

    Using live looping technology, Omura builds intricate textures and harmonies in real time, allowing her to weave together rhythmic patterns and melodic lines that create an immersive auditory experience. Her use of effects pedals adds depth and dimension, introducing ethereal echoes, resonant harmonics, and dynamic sound manipulations that captivate the audience.

    This performance showcases Omura’s unique ability to blend genres, incorporating elements of jazz, classical, and folk into a cohesive sonic journey. Each piece unfolds like a narrative, as she skillfully navigates between haunting melodies and vibrant improvisations. The result is a spellbinding experience that invites listeners to engage with the music on a deeper level, highlighting Omura’s artistic vision and technical prowess. In this solo performance, the violin becomes a canvas for creativity, revealing the endless possibilities of sound through loops and effects.

  • Tomoko Omura (violin, loop, effects)