Los Angeles Philharmonic Appoints Vineta Sareika as Concertmaster

Vineta Sareika has been appointed Concertmaster 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 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.