Virginia Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Concertmaster

Violinist Grace Park will serve in the role

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) recently announced that the violinist Grace Park will serve as its new Concertmaster. She succeeds Vahn Armstrong, who held the position since 1993 and has now been granted the title of Concertmaster Emeritus.

Park is already familiar to the VSO's audiences, having appeared with the orchestra in two subscription concerts thus far.

Hailing originally from Los Angeles, Park studied at the Colburn Conservatory and the New England Conservatory, where her principal teachers were Donald Weilerstein, Miriam Fried, Sylvia Rosenberg, and Robert Lipsett.

In the present season, Park will make debuts with the Sarasota Orchestra, Orlando Philharmonic, Savannah Music Festival, and Camerata Pacifica. She will also release her debut album, which covers works by Mozart and Dvořák — and was recorded with the Prague Philharmonia and their music director Emmanuel Villaume.

She plays on a Giuseppe Filius Andrea Guarneri violin of 1717, which is on loan to her from an anonymous donor.

"I am thrilled to welcome Grace to the VSO family as our new concertmaster!" says Music Director Eric Jacobsen. "I know those who were able to see her in September and November were blown away by her talent and enthusiasm."

"Her extraordinary leadership and virtuosic artistry will inspire and energize all of us at the orchestra going forward, and I have no doubt she will become a pillar of our community, forging meaningful connections through music and leading us into an exciting new chapter."

"I’m beyond excited to join the family of the Virginia Symphony," Park said. "The energy, spirit and love of music is carried through the members of the orchestra, and guided so courageously by Maestro Eric Jacobsen, JoAnn Falletta and Thomas Wilkins. It is truly an honor to be able to a part of their vision, leadership and creativity."

"Along with leading from the concertmaster role, I’m ecstatic to be starting a chamber music series which will give a deeper insight into the Virginia Symphony musicians, along with our guest solo artists. There’s so much brewing in this pot, and I can’t wait to show you what we’ve got!"