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Violinist Karisa Chiu Releases Her First Album, HOME
On Friday, September 12, 2025, Cedille Records proudly released HOME, the debut album of violinist Karisa Chiu, one of Chicago’s most exciting emerging artists. Winner of numerous international competitions and a finalist in Cedille Records’ inaugural Emerging Artist Competition in 2021, Karisa has already distinguished herself as a musician of rare artistry and vision. With HOME, she offers listeners a personal program that reflects both her artistic roots and her creative voice as she steps onto the world stage.
For a musician like Karisa, a first recording is transformative. It’s not just an album, but an enduring artistic statement — an introduction to audiences worldwide and a platform that can open doors to new collaborations and career opportunities. Emerging artists don’t always get the opportunity to make such a recording so early in their careers, but for Karisa, thanks to Cedille, that rare possibility has become a reality.
This kind of milestone is made possible through Cedille’s unique nonprofit model, which relies on a community of supporters who believe in nurturing Chicago’s extraordinary talent. Every new album, and especially a debut like Karisa’s, carries the imprint of that generosity. It’s a reminder of what happens when artists receive the resources needed to share their artistry widely and freely, and of the lasting cultural legacy that grows from this collective investment in music.
HOME reflects not only Karisa’s artistry, but also the commitment of Cedille’s supporters to elevate Chicago musicians. It is proof of the difference that can be made when emerging artists are given a platform to shine, shaping not only their own futures but the future of classical music itself.
Recommended
Winner of Cedille Records’ 2025 Emerging Artist Competition, Chicago-born oboist Oliver Talukder makes his solo recording debut with Briefly Gorgeous. Joined by pianist Moriah Trenk, Talukder presents an album inspired by themes of identity, love, family, and belonging. Drawing on his Mexican and Bengali heritage and his Chicago upbringing, the program explores where classical music intersects with Latino and South Asian traditions, creating a musical portrait shaped by Talukder’s unique story.
Grammy Award-winning violinist Jennifer Koh’s 16th album on Cedille Records, The American Concerto, Volume One, features Vijay Iyer’s Trouble and the world premiere recording of Courtney Bryan‘s Syzygy, performed with the Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble conducted by Tim Weiss.
With the new month comes a new featured playlist on Spotify — or, in this case, a refresh of our Artist Debuts on Cedille playlist, originally created in 2022 to celebrate the inaugural album by the first Emerging Artist Competition winner, saxophonist Julian Velasco.
The update is to celebrate oboist Oliver Talukder, winner of Cedille’s second competition, as well as other artists who have made their Cedille debus since 2022. (Oliver’s track will be added on Friday when his album, Briefly Gorgeous, is released.)
Enjoy Cedille’s Weekly Featured Release.