London Symphony Orchestra’s Co-Leader to Step Down 

Violinist Carmine Lauri is leaving the orchestra following an almost 30-year tenure

Violinist Carmine Lauri is stepping down as co-leader of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) this January to pursue his own musical projects in his native country, Malta.

Beginning violin lessons at the age of four, he won a scholarship at age 17 to study with Maurice Hasson at London’s Royal Academy of Music (RAM), where he was later appointed as a Visiting Professor.  

After his studies, he played his first concert with the LSO in 1993 and became a member of the orchestra in 1997. He was appointed co-leader of the orchestra in 2001.  

With the LSO, he has been credited on numerous film scores, plus performed in countless concerts, recording sessions, recitals, and more. His accolades include the National Order of Merit and the 2015 Gold medal for the Arts. 

Additionally, he has served as concertmaster of the Oxford Philharmonic and guest leader of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Among the other orchestras he has led include the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Royal Opera House, London Philharmonic, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony, Manchester Camerata, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Lauri plays a Stradivari violin kindly on loan by Anna Goldman F.V. Previously, he performed on a c. 1780 Nichola Lupot violin. 

“It was an absolute joy and privilege to share the stand with Carmine for so many years,” said LSO first violin and leader, Roman Simovic in a tribute. “His unique way of old fashion, incredible violin playing will be hugely missed. Carmine’s contribution to the Orchestra cannot be described in such a short text. We always had an incredible time playing together and I always had a smile on my face when working with him.”

“I was very sad to hear that Carmine has left us after 31 years,” added double bassist Patrick Laurence. “He has been an enormous asset to the LSO. As Leader and Co-Leader he always plays with great flair, commitment and virtuosity, and his beautiful solo playing is such a pleasure to listen to. Visiting artists and recording clients have also valued his enthusiastic support.”

“As he begins an exciting new chapter back in his home country of Malta, we celebrate his contributions to the Orchestra,” the LSO posted on Facebook. “Join us in wishing him all the best for the future!”