Ben Ullery assumes the principal position, having previously served other roles within the section
The Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) has officially announced the appointment of Ben Ullery as its new principal viola. Ullery will hold the John Connell Chair and was appointed by outgoing music and artistic director, Gustavo Dudamel.
Ullery joins the orchestra’s principal ranks following an internal progression from section violist, to assistant principal, associate principal and now principal viola. He assumes the role vacated by Teng Li, who was appointed principal viola of Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2024.
’Ben Ullery’s appointment as principal viola is a reflection of his incredible talent and his commitment to the Los Angeles Philharmonic,’ said Kim Noltemy, president and CEO of the LA Phil.
’His artistic growth within the orchestra, combined with his accomplishments as a soloist, collaborator, and educator, makes him an inspiring musician for this position, and we are thrilled to see him take on this leadership role.’
Ullery enjoys a multifaceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral leader, and educator. He has performed as guest principal viola with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra.
An active solo performer, he has given recitals at the Colburn School; Festival Mozaic, California State University at Fullerton, La Sierra University, and ViolaFest Los Angeles, where he was the 2026 Signature Artist. He gave the world premiere performance of Gabriella Smith’s Quantum Ptarmigan for solo viola at Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2025.
As a chamber musician, he has appeared at the Mozaic, Music in the Vineyards, Mainly Mozart, Emerald City, Music at Millford, Leksand, Jackson Hole Chamber Music, and Aspen festivals, among others.
Ullery is on the faculty at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, where he teaches orchestral repertoire as well as coaches the Colburn Orchestra’s viola section. He has given masterclasses at the Aspen Music Festival and School, Azusa Pacific University, California State University at Fullerton and Shanghai Orchestra Academy.
A native of Saint Paul, MN, Ullery earned a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and later studied violin at New England Conservatory of Music and viola at the Colburn School.
No comments yet