Acclaimed Latvian violinist and former First Concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic joins the orchestra in the 2026/27 season

LOS ANGELES (June 11, 2026) — The LA Phil today announced the appointment of Vineta Sareika as Concertmaster, Marjorie Connell Wilson Chair of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Sareika, an internationally acclaimed violinist, chamber musician, educator and orchestral leader, will assume the role in the 2026/27 season.

The appointment was made following a comprehensive search process led by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel and members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in consultation with incoming Music Director Daniel Harding.

As Concertmaster, Sareika will help shape the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s distinctive sound through her leadership of the musicians, performances of major violin solos and serving as a vital artistic liaison between the conductor and orchestra. As both a musical ambassador and trusted colleague, Sareika will help foster unity within the ensemble while ensuring the highest standards of artistic excellence on stage.

“Vineta is a highly respected and accomplished musician whose artistry, spirit, and leadership reflect everything a great concertmaster should be,” said Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel. “She brings not only remarkable experience, but also a deep musical generosity and passion for collaboration. We are thrilled to welcome her to the LA Phil.”

Sareika made history as the first woman to hold the position of First Concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, serving from 2023 to 2025. She has also appeared as guest concertmaster with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Munich Philharmonic, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Dresden Philharmonic, Brussels Philharmonic, and La Monnaie Symphony Orchestra in Brussels. Earlier in her career, she served as Principal Concertmaster of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.

“I’ve admired Vineta’s playing for years: the intelligence behind every phrase, the integrity, the sense that nothing is ever done for effect,” said incoming Music Director Daniel Harding. “There’s an infectious joy and warmth to the way she plays, that everyone in the room feels. I’m delighted she’s coming to Los Angeles, and I can’t wait to make music with her.”

"I am deeply honored to join the Los Angeles Philharmonic as Concertmaster," said Sareika. "The orchestra’s artistic excellence is admired throughout the world, but what impressed me most during my time with the musicians was the sense of trust, warmth, and shared commitment I experienced. I felt genuinely welcomed and inspired by their collective desire to create something meaningful together. For me, that spirit of trust and collaboration is an essential foundation for making great music, and I look forward to becoming part of this extraordinary musical community and contributing to the orchestra’s future."

Latvian violinist Vineta Sareika's multifaceted career spans a wide range of activities from soloist to orchestra concertmaster, primaria of the Artemis Quartet, professor and jury member. Laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition in 2009 and recipient of several Echo Classic Awards, Sareika has performed as a soloist with the London Philharmonia, Belgian National Orchestra, Beijing Symphony Orchestra, Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, Lisbon Philharmonic, Latvian National Orchestra and London Chamber Orchestra. In addition to her concert activities, Sareika currently teaches chamber music at the Universität der Künste Berlin and serves as a jury member in the most prestigious violin and chamber music competitions worldwide. She plays an Antonio Stradivari violin (1683), generously on loan to her from the Ruggieri Foundation.

ABOUT THE LA PHIL
The LA Phil offers live performances, media initiatives, and learning programs that inspire and strengthen communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra is the foundation of the LA Phil’s offerings, which also include a multi-genre, multidisciplinary presenting program and such youth development programs as YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles). Performances are offered across four historic venues—Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and Beckmen YOLA Center—as well as through a variety of media platforms. In all its endeavors, the LA Phil seeks to enrich the lives of individuals and communities through musical, artistic and learning experiences that resonate in our world today.