Ömer Aziz Kayhan is a dynamic and accomplished conductor with a passion for orchestral and choral music. Born in 1997, his journey in music has taken him from his early years in Ithaca, New York, to international stages in Istanbul, Vienna and beyond.

His dedication to music and conducting was evident during his tenure as Assistant Conductor with the Cornell Wind Symphony in 2020-2021. Under his leadership, the ensemble delivered outstanding performances of works like Holst's First Suite in Eb and Strauss's Serenade for Winds op.7, captivating audiences outdoors. Ömer also demonstrated his commitment to the safety of fellow musicians during the pandemic by assisting with rehearsal setup and providing COVID-19 preventative measures.

During his time at the Cornell, Ömer embarked on a transformative educational journey, delving into the intricacies of music with a focus on orchestral conducting. Under the tutelage of the esteemed Mark Shapiro, Ömer honed his skills in score reading and orchestral conducting, immersing themselves in a diverse repertoire. This comprehensive musical education at Juilliard has been instrumental in shaping Ömer's artistry and deepening their understanding of the conductor's craft and led to further engagements such as EAMA. He continued private studies with Dr. Shapiro until 2022 and still considers him a mentor.

In May 2022, Ömer ventured to Vienna, Austria, where he was selected for a prestigious professional recording project. Collaborating with flautist James Strauss and a dedicated orchestra, Ömer took on the monumental task of rehearsing and recording three of Mozart's Flute Concertos, K.313, 314, and 315, showcasing his musical prowess and attention to detail.

He was recently engaged in another professional recording work in his current home city of Rochester, New York, where he rehearsed and recorded an original composition by a graduate composition student at Eastman, Junwen Wu.

In 2023, Ömer's career reached new heights as he was selected as one of seven conductors for the Mostly Modern Festival, allowing him to rehearse and perform chamber compositions and conduct orchestral readings. His dedication to honing his craft led him to masterclasses with esteemed conductors like Aram Demirjian, JoAnn Falletta, and David Amado.

Additionally, Ömer was one of only two conducting fellows chosen for the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado, where he worked with the Grammy-nominated Seraphic Fire choir and conductors Patrick Dupre Quigley and Dr. James Bass

Ömer's journey also included participation in the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, where he embraced the role of a Bass/Baritone Singer and had the privilege of working with renowned Maestro Simon Carrington and Ilya Polataev on a diverse repertoire.

Dedicated to his ongoing musical education, Ömer pursued a conducting program inspired by the teachings of Nadia Boulanger through the European American Music Alliance. His educational journey has encompassed a range of courses, including keyboard harmony, analysis, and conducting, with a repertoire that spans from Bach and Beethoven to Tchaikovsky and beyond.

Currently enrolled as a full-time graduate student in the conducting program at the Eastman School of Music, Ömer continues to refine his skills, collaborating with various ensembles and engaging in private lessons and conducting studio work. With a deep-seated passion for music, he has garnered recognition and respect from mentors and colleagues alike. His dedication to the craft of conducting, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to musical excellence make him a rising star in the world of orchestral and choral music.