Japanese violinist Koko Watanabe will join the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra as Assistant Concertmaster in fall 2026. She is currently a musician with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for the 2025–27 seasons and a member of ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, where she joined in 2018. She previously served as Assistant Concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Des Moines Metro Opera Orchestra.
Koko has performed throughout the United States and Japan, including tours with The Cleveland Orchestra and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to Europe, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. She has also participated in recordings with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra conducted by Manfred Honeck.
She earned her Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with William Preucil and Stephen Rose, following degrees from Southern Methodist University, Toho Conservatory, and Tokyo College of Music.
Koko is also a Suzuki-certified teacher, passionate about nurturing young musicians and helping them grow through the joy of music.