Adriana Linares

Venezuelan violist Adriana Linares is one of today’s most talented young Latin American artists. Her playing has been called “meltingly beautiful” by Naxos Label reviewers. Ms. Linares was the first prize winner in the Latin American Music Competition in Indiana University, the Kuttner Quartet Competition and the Solo Viola Competition at Indiana University, which earned her the honor of soloing with the Indiana University Symphony Orchestra.

Described by Grammy awarding violist Roger Tapping as “a violist of extraordinary merit and ability…[who is] not only excellent but also distinctive, characterful and individual. Highlights of Solo engagements include her 2006 debut in Carnegie Hall with the American premiere of Venezuelan Composer Modesta Bor Sonata. She has been feature soloist with Arcos Juveniles de Caracas Orchestra, Virtuosi de Caracas, Middletown Symphony, the Illinois Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, with whom she performed and collaborated with the world premiere of American composer Hower Hanson’s Summer Sea Side #2, recorded under the NAXOS label.

An active chamber musician and recitalist, she has collaborated with artists such as Anthony Marwood (Florestan trio), Gabriela Montero (Distinguished Venezuelan pianist), Natasha Brodsky (Peabody Trio), Paul Desenne (distinguished Venezuelan Composer), Alexis Cardenas (Tchaikovsky Violin Competition Finalist), Bonnie Hampton (Juilliard School of Music Faculty), and Marka Gustavasson (Colorado Quartet violist).

Ms. Linares is the founder violist of the Dali String Quartet, ensemble with whom she has embarked recording and performing projects around the USA, and recognized educational outreach in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia and surrounding counties. She regularly performs with the SATORI Chamber Players, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, LINARIA Ensemble, and the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Linares holds a Master’s Degree from Temple University where she studied with Curtis Director violist Roberto Diaz (summa cummlaudem), and a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University where she studied with distinguished violist Atar Arad (magna cummlaudem)


  • Testimonials

    “"The idyllic setting and the communal spirit of the West Branch Music Festival fostered some of the richest musical collaborations I have experienced- both between performers and between teachers and students.  Each participant at West Branch was generous with his time and energy above and beyond expectation to make the festival a stunning success.  In addition to being absolutely first rate musically, West Branch is a place where players of all ages, both faculty and students, share their knowledge, life experiences, insights, and joys generously. It is truly a magical place.   I was amazed by how smoothly the festival operated, especially considering that it was the first year students attended. Students and faculty were given a very manageable though intense schedule, which they eagerly supplemented with extra rehearsals and lessons and lots of practice.  In such a context, each participant was able to fulfill their highest potential and enjoy making new friends without feeling overtaxed."  ”

    —Jennifer Devore, Faculty/artist (cello)