LOS ANGELES (JULY 1, 2026) — The LA Phil today announced the appointment of Ben Ullery as Principal Viola and holder of the John Connell Chair. Ullery, who has served with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in increasing artistic leadership roles, joins the orchestra’s principal ranks following an internal progression—from section violist to Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, and now Principal Viola—a distinction that reflects both his artistry and longstanding contributions to the orchestra. 

Ullery was selected for the position by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel. Along with performing in the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Ullery enjoys a multifaceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral leader, and educator. 

“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.” 

The LA Phil is dedicated to artistic excellence and to cultivating an orchestra of the highest caliber through a rigorous, musician‑centered process. Positions are filled through comprehensive auditions and evaluations that prioritize artistry, leadership, and collaboration, while also recognizing and nurturing talent from within the ensemble.  

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ABOUT BEN ULLERY 
Praised by the Chicago Tribune for his “febrile intensity,” violist Ben Ullery enjoys a multifaceted performing career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral player, and educator. 

In 2026, he was chosen by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel for the position of Principal Viola of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to his appearances with the LA Phil, Ullery has performed across the country and abroad in the role of 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 been in high demand in the Los Angeles area and at festivals and concert series in the US and Europe. In addition to having performed over 50 chamber works as part of the LA Phil’s chamber music series, Ullery 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. He has been featured on NPR’s Performance Today as well as in local broadcasts on KUSC in Los Angeles and Minnesota Public Radio. As a recording artist, he has performed on releases on the Bridge and Albany labels. 

An enthusiastic teacher, Ullery is on the faculty at the Colburn School in Downtown Los Angeles, where he teaches orchestral repertoire as well as coaches the Colburn Orchestra’s viola section. Many of his former students have gone on to hold positions with top orchestras in the US, Europe, and Asia. He has given master classes 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. 

ABOUT THE LA PHIL 
Under the leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel (through August 2026), the LA Phil offers live performances, media initiatives and learning programs that inspire and strengthen communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra is the foundation of the LA Phil’s offerings, which also include a multi-genre, multidisciplinary presenting program and such youth development programs as YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles). Performances are offered across four historic venues—Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford and Beckmen YOLA Center—as well as through a variety of media platforms. In all its endeavors, the LA Phil seeks to enrich the lives of individuals and communities through musical, artistic and learning experiences that resonate in our world today.