About OMI · Our mission
A musical community. A shared purpose.
Founded by violinist Qianwen Shen of The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Overture Music Intensive (OMI) is a New York City–based nonprofit serving young musicians from around the world.
Our mission
Making chamber music accessible through performance, mentorship, and community.
We believe chamber music has a rare power to break down barriers and bring people of every background together. OMI creates meaningful connections between artists and audiences through shared musical experiences: on stage, in the classroom, and in the places people live and gather.
Great chamber music belongs to everyone.
Who we serve
Two communities, one shared love of music.
Through intensive training, mentorship, and public performance, OMI helps young artists grow professionally while cultivating lasting appreciation and support for chamber music in the wider community.
Young musicians
Talented young musicians from the U.S. and abroad, particularly those with limited means or access to advanced opportunities. OMI gives them world-class coaching, mentors who believe in them, and a stage to share their artistry.
Community audiences
Families, neighbors, and listeners of every background who want to experience chamber music up close. OMI brings the music into the places people live, learn, and gather, and invites everyone to be part of it.
What guides us
Rigor, with warmth.
Excellence
Celebrated artists from the world’s leading orchestras and conservatories mentor and coach young musicians, nurturing each one’s artistry. Public performances let that artistry shine.
Pathways
Clear guidance and lasting mentorship for young musicians as they find their way into the professional music world, with people in their corner at every step.
Connection
Chamber music carried into homes, schools, and neighborhoods, so everyone can discover it. And a warm community where artists lift each other up and celebrate every milestone.
Empowerment
Investing in artists beyond the stage, with resources and opportunities that help emerging and professional musicians build lasting, fulfilling careers.
Our story
It began with a summer, and a conviction.
Violinist Qianwen Shen founded OMI on a simple belief: great music should belong to everyone.
Since our first Summer Intensive, OMI has grown into a year-round community of students, families, artists, and supporters.
For donors, funders & partners
A conversation starts here.
Program questions go to info@overturemusicintensive.com. Giving questions go to donations@overturemusicintensive.com. Foundations can reach grants@overturemusicintensive.com.