A dynamic soloist and a devoted chamber musician, Park brings her artistry, passion, and virtuosity to the VSO.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [February 3, 2025] Today the Virginia Symphony Orchestra announced that internationally acclaimed violinist Grace Park will serve as its new Concertmaster. Praised by the San Francisco Chronicle as “fresh, different and exhilarating” and by Strings Magazine for her “intensely wrought and burnished” sound, she captivates audiences worldwide. As announced last season, Vahn Armstrong, who has served as the VSO’s Concertmaster since 1993, will continue to perform with the orchestra as Concertmaster Emeritus in the third chair of the First Violin section.
“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. “
Hampton Roads audiences may have seen Park perform with the VSO during Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Appalachian Spring & Aoife O’Donovan. Ms. Park’s most recent solo debuts include the Colorado Music Festival, Bard Festival under the baton of Leon Botstein, Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall with the New York Youth Symphony, The Rudolfinum/ Dvorak Hall in Prague with Prague Philharmonia, and recital debuts at Krannert Center, Beethoven Minnesota Festival and Merkin Hall. She performs on a 1717 Giuseppe Filius Andrea Guarneri violin on loan from an anonymous sponsor.
“I’m beyond excited to join the family of The Virginia Symphony. 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” says Ms. Park. “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!”
In an orchestra, the Concertmaster holds the highest leadership position among all the musicians. In addition to leading the first violin section, they make decisions regarding bowings, phrasing, and articulation to unify all strings, and serve as conduit between the conductor and the entire orchestra. While a conductor may be shaping the contours of a work, the Concertmaster helps to lead the ensemble in real-time in the logistics of bringing the conductor’s vision to life. They hold a unique leadership position that contributes to the overall cohesiveness of the ensemble.
As a native of Los Angeles, California, Ms. Park began violin at the age of 5 where she trained at the Colburn School of Music. She continued her studies at Colburn Conservatory and New England Conservatory for her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees. Principal teachers are Donald Weilerstein, Miriam Fried, Sylvia Rosenberg, and Robert Lipsett. She is also a winner of the Naumburg International Violin Competition.
Ms. Park’s inaugural performance as the new VSO concertmaster will be at the West Side Story Symphonic Dances concerts on March 14 at the Ferguson Center & 16 at the Sandler Center. She will also be playing at the Coffee Concert: Don Quixote on the morning of the 14th, and at the chamber music concert, Strings for Springtime, in Williamsburg on March 15. She will be fully in her new role at the start of the 25/26 Season. More information can be found on these performances at: https://virginiasymphony.org/west-side-story/ and https://virginiasymphony.org/concert/strings-for-springtime-at-william-mary/
###
As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational, and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be. Innovation and excellence are at the heart of the VSO’s narrative. The VSO has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia. Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and its commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, and BBC Worldwide News.
As the largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually for more than 100,000 residents and visitors. Recent innovations include health and wellness programs, including interactive therapeutic experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and adopting welcoming concert environments for those who are neurodiverse. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, its programming, and its leadership.
The selection of the young and dynamic conductor Eric Jacobsen as music director in 2021 was another bold step forward for the VSO, further expanding its vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins in the role of Principal Guest Conductor, reflecting the VSO’s commitment to tell its community’s stories and advance the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all residents.
