Birgit Kolar is an acclaimed Austrian violinist and esteemed concertmaster whose career spans major European orchestras, prestigious chamber-music festivals, and collaborations with many of today’s foremost conductors and soloists. Recognized for her luminous sound, refined musical intelligence and inspiring leadership, she has established herself as a dynamic artistic force both as a soloist and as a concertmaster.

She made history as the first female concertmaster of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, paving the way for a new generation of women in leading orchestral positions.

A graduate of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Birgit developed her artistry under the influence of some of the great Central-European violin traditions, combining Viennese elegance with a powerful expressive presence. She has appeared as concertmaster with leading orchestras and has been frequently invited as guest leader to ensembles across Europe, admired for her clarity, warmth of tone and her ability to unify and elevate the string section with ease and authority.

As a soloist, Birgit has performed a wide range of repertoire, from the Classical canon to contemporary works, always praised for her noble phrasing, precision, and emotional depth. Her interpretations are marked by a deep understanding of structure, colour and style, making her equally compelling in Baroque, Classical, Romantic and modern repertoire.

An active chamber musician, she performs regularly with distinguished partners in Europe and abroad. Her musical versatility, experience and collaborative spirit make her a highly sought-after artist in chamber-music festivals and special projects. She plays on a remarkable Carlo Bergonzi violin, generously on loan from the Austrian National Bank Foundation (OeNB) — an instrument whose noble, golden timbre has become a defining element of her sound.