New Concertmaster

Celebrated Venezuelan-born Violinist is Appointed Concertmaster of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.

The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra is proud to welcome acclaimed violinist Samuel Vargas, as its new concertmaster. In this role, Vargas will bring artistry, precision, and inspired leadership to a season dedicated to Breaking Sound Barriers.

Following violinist Lorna Wood’s retirement from the LSO after more than two decades, the LSO enjoyed the talented leadership of several guest concertmasters. Those musicians included Kerren Berz, concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony, Sinisa Ciric, concertmaster of the Savannah Philharmonic, and Callie Hammond, LSO’s own associate concertmaster. Now, Music Director and Conductor, Dr. Richard Prior has announced the appointment of celebrated Venezuelan-born violinist Samuel Vargas as the new concertmaster of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.

More about Samuel

Vargas is renowned for his exceptional artistry and versatile career as a performer, educator, writer, and entrepreneur. He has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the $50,000 First Prize at the 2021 Sphinx Competition, the Visionary Impact Award for entrepreneurship in 2024, the José Antonio Abreu International Award for the Arts in 2022, the Teacher Award at the 2024 Debussy International Music Competition, and the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Award in 2019, among many others. Throughout his career, Vargas has performed in over 40 countries, collaborating with distinguished orchestras such as the Santa Fe Symphony, The New World Symphony, Simón Bolívar Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, San Bernardino Symphony, Venezuela National Philharmonic, and Allentown Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked with renowned conductors, including Gustavo Dudamel, Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, Claudio Abbado, and Anthony Parnther. He currently serves on the faculty of the Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University. Vargas will also perform as featured soloist with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra on the season finale in April 2026, giving the regional premiere of Andres Martin’s spectacular Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (Morgante), dedicated to the memory of conductor Michael Morgan.

The 2025/2026 Concert Performances

Full Season Tickets (Packaged Sets) are on sale now until September 23, 2025. [ https://ci.ovationtix.com/35802/store/packages ]
Ticket sales for individual concerts begins August 16th, 2025  [ https://ci.ovationtix.com/35802 ] and continues throughout the season until they sell out.

Here are the concerts and dates of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra’s 2025/2026 season, Breaking Sound Barriers:

Powerful Partnerships – September 23, 2025 ( a celebration of musical synergy featuring virtuosic soloists, creative collaborations, and iconic repertoire that reveal how music is often born from profound and deep connections.)
String Theory – October 28, 2025 (explores the broad expressive universe of string instruments, experiencing works that shimmer and vibrate with intensity)
Joyful Voices – December 9, 2025 (gives center stage to the human voice, rejoicing in community with works of merriment and home)
Epic Adventures, Myths & Galaxies – March 24, 2026 (takes us from ancient legends to star-filled skies, illuminating how imagination fuels both our past and our future)
250 Years of Being – April 28, 2026 (a magnificent grand finale concert, a tribute to the enduring spirit of music as we reflect on the historical milestone that has shaped our collective journey. It is both a retrospective and a springboard, honoring our shared history while embracing bold directions)

Read more about each concert’s repertoire and numerous featured guest artists HERE.

Comment from the New Concertmaster:

“It is with deep joy and gratitude that I step into the role of concertmaster of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra. This orchestra, rooted in excellence and carried by the unwavering support of an extraordinary audience and community of patrons stands as a beacon of culture and connection in our region. I am inspired by its legacy and energized by the opportunity to contribute through music, education, and entrepreneurial vision. I also look forward to nurturing meaningful relationships with the younger generation of musicians, empowering their growth and inviting them into the transformative world of orchestral music. Together, we will expand the Symphony’s reach, deepen its community ties, and continue to uplift hearts through the power of music.”
– Samuel Vargas, LSO Concertmaster

A Final Word from Richard Prior:

“The role of concertmaster is essential to the success of an orchestra, providing leadership in artistry, interpretive and technical matters, and serving as a critical conduit for the vision and aspirations of the conductor. If you watch closely, you will see how the other string musicians watch not just the conductor but the concertmaster for certain cues, and not just when but how to play stylistically – where to be in the bow, the type of placement and bow stroke needed for a specific sound. That leadership and musical personality radiates out from the concertmaster beyond the strings as they are also watched by the other instruments such as the woodwinds.

I have found Samuel to be the quintessential artist and musician. His continued rise as a highly sought after soloist on the international stage, endless passion for teaching, and his dedication in championing new works serve as an inspiration to those around him. He will bring a vast amount to not just the LSO but also our musical community in LaGrange and beyond.”
– Richard Prior, LSO Music Director and Conductor, Dr. George and Rev. Helen Henry Conductor Chair