HSO Concertmaster Leonid Sigal has enjoyed a multi-faceted career as recitalist, chamber musician, orchestra leader and soloist, as well as conductor. He has been praised by audiences and critics for his virtuosity and musical sensitivity. The Miami Herald wrote: “He demonstrated what a fine violinist he is, playing passionately and cleanly with a soaring tone”; and the Hartford Courant echoes: “His tone is consistently sweet. He brings a clear sense of phrasing, articulation and effortless virtuosity.” And most recently: “The richness of his interpretive voice remains fascinating.”

Born in Moscow, Russia into a musical family, Mr. Sigal began violin studies at age five and was accepted to the renowned Gnessin School of Music. He went on to graduate with excellence from the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied with Maya Glezarova. Winner of several violin competitions and recipient of the Meadows Artistic Scholarship Award, he moved to the U.S., where he continued his studies and in 1995 he was invited by Michael Tilson Thomas to join a prestigious orchestral fellowship at the New World Symphony.

Mr. Sigal’s vast performing experience includes appearances in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Russia, Japan, South Korea and throughout Europe. Recent and upcoming seasons’ highlights include solo performances of Brahms’ Double Concerto with cellist David Finckel, concertos by Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Glazunov.  He founded and has served as Artistic Director of the celebrated Sunday Serenades, a popular chamber music series at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, now in its 12th season. 

Besides his HSO duties, he has served as Concertmaster and Assistant Conductor of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra. Since 2012, at the invitation of Music Director Gerard Schwarz, he has been part of The All-Star Orchestra alongside fellow principals from major American orchestras. Previously Associate Concertmaster of the Florida Philharmonic, he has performed with the San Diego Symphony and Boston Symphony. He served as Artistic Director of the Miami Chamber Symphony, and has made frequent returns to the podium.