Established in 2023 at the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Bernhardt–Kowal–Willauer (BKW) Trio is comprised of pianist and Principal Keyboard of the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Jacob Bernhardt, violinist and Concertmaster of the Canton Symphony Orchestra Konrad Kowal, and cellist and educator Nora Willauer. As participants of the Advanced Piano Trio Program at CIM, the BKW Trio received coaching from Sharon Robinson, Jaime Laredo, Kathryn Brown, and Anita Pontremoli and now perform recitals in the Cleveland area. Highlights of the 25-26' season include the BKW Trio’s debut at the Buffalo Chamber Music Society in March 2026, performing a program of works by Beethoven, Jennifer Higdon, and Dvořák.