Vineta Sareika, first female concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, announces her resignation

September 10, 2024, 4:52 p.m. Latvian violinist Vineta Sareika, first female concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, announced on Facebook on Monday that she would be leaving the orchestra, with her final concert scheduled for February 2025.

Violinist Vineta Sareika.

“After three rewarding and exciting years with the Berlin Philharmonic, I have made the decision to leave the orchestra,” said Sareika. “It was an honour for me to be the orchestra’s first female concertmaster and I am truly grateful for this unique life experience, fantastic concerts and inspiring encounters.”

Sareika joined the Berlin Philharmonic in May 2022 and was appointed first concertmaster in March 2023. Prior to that, Sareika led the Artemis Quartet from 2012 until its dissolution in 2021. She has been Professor of Chamber Music at the Berlin University of the Arts since 2017.

In addition to Sareika-Völkner, the Berlin Philharmonic has several concertmasters, including Noah Bendix-Balgley and Daishin Kashimoto. Violinist Krzysztof Polonek holds the title of concertmaster.

“One of the many valuable lessons I have learned over the past few years is that being part of this orchestra is not the path I want to pursue in the future,” said Sareika. “I wish the orchestra the best of luck in finding a fantastic new colleague for this position. At the same time, I look forward to the next chapter of my personal musical journey.”

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