The KOE duo, Eva Ding, flutist, and Emma Kato, cellist, will perform at the second annual Summer Concert Series of St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church and Pro-Cathedral on Thursday, June 17, at 6:00 pm. They will be joined by Austin Philemon on piano. The 45-minute concerts, take place Thursdays through September 2, 2021, in the sanctuary of the church at Montague and Clinton Streets in Brooklyn Heights. The Forum @ St. Ann’s, the parish’s arts and culture program, is presenting the concert series to benefit St. Ann’s Pop-Up Pantry on its first anniversary.

The KOE duo are dedicated to bringing aspects of their non-musical passions to create interdisciplinary projects and performances. They’re also deeply connected to their respective heritages and cultures — Kato being a 2nd generation Japanese-American, and Ding being Chinese-born and New Zealand-raised — that are reflected in the pieces and the composers whose works they perform.

Both musicians have Masters in Music degrees from Manhattan School of Music. They have received the Chamber Music America’s Ensemble Forward Grant and have performed at the Rose Studio at Lincoln Center, Riverside Church, and Greenfield Hall. Together with their interest in and passion for community engagement, education and interdisciplinary exploration, they’re dedicated to illuminating classical music in a way that is exciting and interesting for a new audience – one that looks and feels more like them.

Austin Philemon is an active performer, conductor, and composer based in the New York City area. An accomplished organist, Austin has Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from the Manhattan School of Music and from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Philemon has performed widely in the U.S. and Europe.

Concert-goers are asked to donate food items or make a financial donation to St. Ann’s Pop-Up Pantry. The program was launched in June 2020 in response to the increased food insecurity in Brooklyn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program quickly evolved, giving away ever increasing amounts of non-perishable and fresh groceries as the lines of guests grew longer. To date, St. Ann’s Pop-up Pantry has supplied over 9,000 people with nutritious foods, and the need shows no sign of stopping.

All are urged to combine their love of music and the desire to help our neighbors in need by attending the Summer Concert Series benefiting St. Ann’s Pop-up Pantry.