Omri’s musical studies began at an early age, starting with the piano at age 5, violin at 6, and finally, with the encouragement of his older brother, the trumpet at age 8. While in high school, he discovered his strong affinity for the trumpet and a deep love of music, though it was only after a year of studying academics in college that he decided to change course to pursue music. Omri holds a bachelor’s degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied with David Bilger, principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is currently pursuing his master’s at Rice University in Houston, studying under renowned trumpet soloist and pedagogue Barbara Butler. During his studies at Curtis, he had the opportunity to audition for the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, and he has held the position of principal trumpet there since 2017.
Over the course of his musical studies, Omri has had the opportunity to perform with numerous world-class ensembles, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Tanglewood Music Center, New World Symphony, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, and Spoleto Festival Orchestra, performing under the batons of such legendary conductors as Herbert Blomstedt, Manfred Honeck, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and Andris Nelsons. An avid chamber musician and recitalist as well, he has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in Philadelphia, Allentown, and all over the country. Notable chamber music concerts include sharing the stage at Curtis as a soloist alongside mentors such as pianist Meng-Chieh Liu and teacher David Bilger. Omri hopes to soon return to Allentown to play more solo recitals and enter the musical fabric of the community.
As a teacher, Omri loves working with musicians of all ages, experiences, and backgrounds. He believes first and foremost in fostering people’s love of music, as it is that passion and enjoyment of the art that allows people to bring out their best work. This mindset has allowed him to work equally well with beginners, high schoolers, and college students alike.
While not playing trumpet, Omri enjoys brewing coffee, trying new recipes, reading, and exploring the city
