Leonid Sigal, Violin, ACO Series III Concerts

ACO Concertmaster Leonid Sigal has enjoyed a multi-faceted career as recitalist, chamber musician and orchestra leader. Since early performances he was praised by audiences and critics for his virtuosity and musical sensitivity. The Miami Herald wrote: “Sigal demonstrated what a fine violinist he is, playing passionately and cleanly with a soaring tone”; and The Hartford Courant echoes: “…His tone was consistently sweet. He brought a clear sense of phrasing, articulation and effortless virtuosity”.

Born in Moscow, he began violin studies at the age 5, and a year later was accepted to the renowned Gnessin School. He went on attending and graduating with excellence from the Moscow Conservatory. Later he had also studied with Erik Friedman, and had taken master classes with Isaac Stern and Yehudi Menuhin.

Winner of several violin competitions and recipient of 1993 Algur H. Meadows Artistic Scholarship Award, he moved to the US, where in 1995 he was invited by Michael Tilson Thomas to a prestigious fellowship at the New World Symphony. While serving as concertmaster, he was coached as conductor by Mr. Thomas. His experience includes recital and chamber music appearances in the US, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, Japan and South Korea. He has performed with Sir Georg Solti, Leonard Bernstein, Christoph Eshenbach. Among his festival appearances are Rencontres Musicales d’Evian, Schwetzingen Festival, as well as festivals in Prague, Tokyo, Seoul and Miami.

A dedicated chamber musician he collaborated with Mstislav Rostropovich, Evgeny Kissin, Edgar Meyer and Joseph Silverstein among others. Recent highlights include Shostakovich‘ Piano Quintet with James Ehnes, Roberto and Andres Diaz and Valentina Lisitsa, and the complete Brahms’ Sonatas with pianist Vanessa Perez. He appears with the Miami Friends of Chamber Music and is a frequent guest with the Avery Ensemble.

Previously Associate Concertmaster of the Florida Philharmonic, he is currently Concertmaster of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and also serves on faculty of the University of Hartford’s the Hartt School.