Berlin Philharmonic’s Concertmaster to Step Down 

Violinist Vineta Sareika was the orchestra’s first female concertmaster in its 142-year history

A member of the Berlin Philharmonic since May 2022, the Latvian violinist Vineta Sareika began her role as first concertmaster in April 2023, becoming the orchestra’s first female concertmaster in its 142-year history.

“After three enriching and exciting years with the Berlin Philharmonic I have made the decision to leave the orchestra,” Sareika posted on Facebook. “It has been an honor for me to serve as its first ever woman concertmaster and I am truly grateful for this unique life experience, fantastic concerts and inspiring encounters.”

Sareika began her violin studies at the age of 5 with Ojars Kalnins, Haviva Dimensteine, and Anete Zvaigzne. She later studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris with Gérard Poulet and at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel with Augustin Dumay. Her other mentors included Ida Haendel, Ivry Gitlis, Zakhar Bron, Mauricio Fuks, and Sergey Krylov.

A laureate of the 2009 Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition and recipient of several Echo Klassik Awards, she is also known for her work as the first violinist of the Artemis Quartet from 2012 to 2021. 

From 2011 to 2013, she served as the first concertmaster with the Royal Flemish Philharmonic, and has regularly played as a guest concertmaster with the Brussels Royal Opera Orchestra and the Brussels Philharmonic.

As an educator, Sareika teaches chamber music at the Universität der Künste Berlin and serves as a jury member in prestigious competitions worldwide. She plays a 1683 Antonio Stradivari violin, generously on loan from the Ruggieri Foundation.

Sareika’s final concerts as concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic will take place in February 2025.

“One of the many valuable learnings during the past years however is that being part of this particular orchestra is not the path I’d like to continue on in the future,’ she continued. “I wish the orchestra the best of luck finding a fantastic new colleague for this position. I am at the same time looking forward to the next chapter of my personal musical journey.”