Concert Performance

Third Wednesday: Violist James Kang (SOLD OUT)

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

In this special edition of our Third Wednesday series, violist James Kang presents a program showcasing the versatility and expressivity of the viola in the Driehaus Museum Ballroom. With works ranging from Baroque to contemporary, Kang’s viola becomes one with the human voice.

Due to the temporary closure of the Murphy Auditorium, this event is being held in our 3rd Floor Ballroom and seats are limited.

Registration for this program is now full. To join the waitlist, please email programs@driehausmuseum.org.

Program:

J. S. Bach, Cello Suite No. 2

Max Reger, Suite No. 1

Henri Vieuxtemps, Capriccio

Nokutula Ngwenyama, Sonoran Storm

Kenji Bunch, The 3 G’s

This event is free and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted in support of the Museum’s ongoing cultural programming and community days.

About the Performer

Violist James Kang is a compelling performer and dedicated artist-teacher who connects with audiences across the U.S. and abroad. He is the founding violist of the Abeo Quartet, formed at Juilliard in 2018, with performances at Alice Tully Hall, The Kennedy Center, and Norway’s Vertavo Festival. James is pursuing his DMA at Northwestern University as Teaching Assistant to Helen Callus and earned his bachelor’s degree from The Juilliard
School as a Kovner Fellow.

As a soloist, James received the American Opera Society of Chicago Centennial Award and top prizes from the American Viola Society and ASTA competitions. He has appeared with ensembles including ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and Chicago Philharmonic and served as Principal Violist of the Juilliard Orchestra.

With Abeo, he recently completed the Ernst Stiefel Quartet-in-Residence at Caramoor, emphasizing community engagement. James is on the Chamber Music Faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago and remains active in outreach and education.