Alyssa Park Named LA Opera’s New Concertmaster | The Strad
The LA Opera has named violinist Alyssa Park as its new Stuart Canin Concertmaster, effective immediately. Park will make her debut in the role with the company’s upcoming production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Falstaff, set to open on at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
The appointment follows the passing of Roberto Cani, who served as concertmaster for 14 seasons until his death in . The concertmaster chair is named in honor of Stuart Canin, who held the position from to .
James Conlon, who is departing his role as LA Opera’s Music Director after 20 years, described the search for Cani’s successor as “highly competitive.” He expressed confidence in Park’s abilities, stating, “I am more than delighted that in Alyssa Park we are confident we have found an extraordinary violinist and musician for the future.” Conlon also extended his well wishes to Park and the orchestra, along with his successor, Domingo Hindoyan, hoping for a “fruitful and long working relationship.”
Park herself expressed her honor at being appointed to the position. “After many years on the concert stage, I am deeply honoured to begin this new chapter as concertmaster of LA Opera,” she said. She emphasized the power of opera to “transform music and drama into living storytelling, revealing the depth and complexity of the human experience and strengthening the cultural fabric of the community.” She also highlighted her eagerness to collaborate with Conlon, Hindoyan, and her fellow musicians to create “vibrant, collaborative, and rooted in musical integrity” performances.
Park’s appointment marks a significant moment for the LA Opera, not only in filling a key leadership role within the orchestra but also in recognizing a musician with an already impressive international career. At just 16 years old, she achieved the distinction of being the youngest prizewinner in the history of the prestigious Tchaikovsky International Competition, establishing an “enviable international reputation” early in her career.
Her performance history is extensive and globally diverse. She has graced stages at renowned venues such as Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the Ravinia Festival, and the Kennedy Center in New York City, as well as the Oregon Bach Festival and Rockefeller University. Internationally, Park has performed as a soloist with major orchestras across Europe, including the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, and the Hamburg Philharmonic. Tours have taken her through Spain, Switzerland, and Austria with the Cincinnati Symphony, and to Australia with the orchestras of Sydney, Adelaide, and Tasmania.
Her engagements extend to Asia, where she has performed with the Korean Broadcasting Symphony, Japan Philharmonic, and the Singapore Symphony. Further European credits include appearances with the Berlin Radio Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Orchestra, and the Munich Philharmonic, as well as debuts at Italy’s Ravello Festival and the Netherlands’ Royal Concertgebouw.
Beyond her solo work, Park is a dedicated chamber musician and a founding member of the Los Angeles-based Lyris Quartet. The quartet actively champions contemporary music, curating the Hear Now new music festival dedicated to the works of living Southern California composers. Lyris also serves as the resident ensemble for the Jacaranda music series in Santa Monica and has been featured in performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Green Umbrella series and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
The selection of Park as concertmaster signals LA Opera’s commitment to artistic excellence and its continued support of emerging and established talent. Her multifaceted career, encompassing solo performance, chamber music, and a dedication to contemporary works, positions her as a dynamic leader for the orchestra as it enters a new chapter under the direction of Maestro Hindoyan. The upcoming production of Falstaff will be a closely watched debut, offering audiences a first glimpse of Park’s vision and artistry in her new role.