Minnesota Orchestra Promotes New Principal Violist from Within

The Minnesota Orchestra has today announced the promotion of violist Rebecca Albers from Assistant Principal Viola to Principal Viola

The Minnesota Orchestra has today announced the promotion of violist Rebecca Albers from Assistant Principal Viola to Principal Viola - following an extensive audition process.

A graduate of The Juilliard School, where she studied with Heidi Castleman and Hsin-Yun Huang, Rebecca has served with the orchestra since 2010.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have spent the past seven years performing with and learning from my incredible colleagues in the Minnesota Orchestra …” Rebecca has said.

“I'm grateful to my colleagues and Music Director Osmo Vänskä for their trust in granting me this opportunity,” she has said.

Rebecca will replace Thomas Turner - who had served the section leader's position for the past 23 years.

Thomas will not be leaving, the orchestra has indicated, but has made the decision to move into the core of the viola section.

The orchestra has also announced the appointments of violinists Natsuki Kumagai and Ben Odhner to their Second Violin section.