JACKSON, TN — The Jackson Symphony has appointed internationally acclaimed violinist Tamás Kocsis as its new concertmaster, marking a bold step forward in the Symphony’s continued artistic evolution.
A musician of rare pedigree, Kocsis brings global experience, exceptional technique, and inspiring leadership to West Tennessee. His appointment signals the Symphony’s growing stature as a regional force among American orchestras and affirms its commitment to artistic excellence under new Music Director Paul Haas.
“This is a major moment for us,” said Sherry Freeman, Executive Director of The Jackson Symphony. “Tamás has performed at the highest levels around the world. His artistry, professionalism, and experience are a perfect match for where The Jackson Symphony is headed.”
Born in Hungary in the early 1970s to a violinist father and pianist mother, Kocsis’s prodigious talent emerged early. He was accepted into the prestigious Liszt Academy in Budapest at age ten and debuted on Hungarian Radio just a year later. His youth was filled with solo and chamber performances, even amid the challenges of communist Hungary. By age sixteen, he was crossing borders alone to study and perform.
In 1989, he received a full scholarship to Indiana University to study with the legendary Josef Gingold, followed by further training at The Juilliard School under Dorothy DeLay.
Kocsis’s career rapidly ascended. He was appointed concertmaster of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in 1995 and later held the same title with the Savannah Symphony and the Orlando Philharmonic. In 2010, he joined the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast, where he recorded extensively and gained critical acclaim for his 2022 solo debut of Kurt Weill’s Violin Concerto No. 2.
As concertmaster, Kocsis serves as the principal violinist and a crucial artistic leader within the orchestra. His appointment represents more than a personnel change; it is a strategic investment in the Symphony’s future, as it transitions to a fully auditioned ensemble.
Expected to perform as a soloist in future concerts, audiences will have their first opportunity to hear Kocsis lead The Jackson Symphony at Virtuoso Unveiled, the opening night of the 65th season on Saturday, September 6 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
The Jackson Symphony has been inspiring and enriching audiences across West Tennessee since 1961. With a full concert season, educational outreach through The Jackson Symphony Music Academy, and regional performances that reach more than 35,000 annually, the Symphony is committed to excellence, access, and community connection. For tickets and more information, visit www.thejacksonsymphony.org.
(PHOTO: Tamás Kocsis)
