Violin I – Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Katie Backus

Originally from Rhode Island, Katie Backus is now based outside of Burlington, VT. A violinist and violist, she received a degree in music education from the University of Rhode Island, and
taught strings both in public schools and privately for ten years in New Hampshire before moving to Vermont.

Leonidas Kavakos

Leonidas Kavakos is recognized across the world as a violinist and artist of rare quality, acclaimed for his matchless technique, captivating artistry, and superb musicianship. He works regularly with the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors and appears in recitals at the premier halls and festivals. In recent years, Kavakos has also built a strong profile as a conductor.

Aleksandr Snytkin

Lithuanian-American violinist Aleksandr Snytkin has been praised by critics as “an emerging virtuoso with delicate touch and a sense of intimacy, technical and artistic maturity.”

Nora Scheller

A native of Minnesota, violinist Nora Scheller began her orchestral career in high school, substituting in professional orchestras from the age of 15.

Lilit Danielyan

Born in Yerevan, Armenia in 1975, violinist Lilit Danielyan began music lessons at a young age. Her father, Eduard Danielyan, a historian and head of The Institute of Foreign Languages, recognized young Lilit’s talent for music and taught her to play the piano.

Motoi Takeda

Motoi Takeda joined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 1977 and became Associate Concertmaster in 1987. He studied violin in Japan and at the Moscow Conservatory, where he received his music diploma.

Kaori Yoshida

Kaori joined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in the fall of 2006. Previously she was a section first violinist with the Honolulu Symphony. She has performed and toured with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, American Symphony Orchestra, New Haven Symphony Orchestra and the New York Symphonic Ensemble, with whom she has appeared as a soloist in major cities in Japan.

Giyeon Yoon

Violinist Giyeon Yoon joins the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 2019 having previously served as a violinist at the National Symphony Orchestra for their 2018/19 season.

Bruce Wittrig

After playing the cello for a year as a child, Bruce Wittrig began serious musical study with viola lessons at age 12. At 19, he turned to violin. In addition to his symphony duties, Wittrig enjoys chamber music and serves as Music Director at his church, Bethany Presbyterian in Uptown.

Daphne Volle

Violinist Daphné Volle joined the DSO in 1996. Previously she was a member of the Fort-Worth Symphony. Since the age of 17, Volle has played professionally with such orchestras as the Lyon Symphony, Orchestre of Saône et Loire, the French Camerata and the National Orchestra of France.