From St. John’s, Heather Kao is the concertmaster of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and first violinist of the Atlantic String Quartet since 2015. She studied at Memorial University with Dr. Nancy Dahn. Heather has been a guest performer on countless recordings, as well as on TV and radio. She has enjoyed performing in many genres, from pop music with Rod Stewart and Hey Rosetta! to traditional music with Ennis and the Once, and is often guest violinist for several local choirs.

She has played in pit orchestras for many productions, including White Christmas, Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Evita, and Annie. She's excited to be back for a third season at CFA Gander.