Whether you’re planning a chic downtown wedding or a cozy Hill Country dinner party, finding the right violinist can elevate your event from memorable to magical. New Orleans’s vibrant music scene is home to some of the most talented string musicians in the country — from classical quartets to genre-bending soloists.
Below are eight of the most skilled violinists and string ensembles in New Orleans, perfect for adding elegance and energy to your next private event.
Daniela Diaz
Violinist Daniela Diaz is passionate about the transformative power of the arts, working with organizations that create opportunities for growth and development through art, social justice, and music education.
Daniela’s musical journey began in “El Sistema,” a globally recognized program for social change through music. As a member of the Simón Bolívar Orchestra of Venezuela, she performed under the batons of Gustavo Dudamel, Claudio Abbado, and Sir Simon Rattle. Daniela earned her Master’s degree in Violin Performance as a Graduate Assistant to Dmitri Berlinsky at Michigan State University, where she became an active chamber musician and performed with orchestras across the state of Michigan.
Joel Willson
Joel Willson is a Louisiana-born composer, songwriter, and violinist based in Baton Rouge. A versatile creative, he composes for film, performs live, and teaches, blending classical roots with modern influences. His work includes scoring award-winning indie films, performing at Jazz Fest, and being featured by PreSonus at NAMM.
Joana Genova
Bulgarian-born violinist Joana Genova, co-artistic director of Taconic Music, has built a diverse career as a chamber and orchestral musician, soloist, recitalist, and teacher. Jim Lowe of The Rutland Herald wrote “Genova played with an infectious mix of passion and warmth, coupled with the requisite virtuosity
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Ben Thacher
A native of Cape Cod, MA, Benjamin Thacher joined the Louisiana Philharmonic in 2013, having previously served as the Associate Concertmaster of the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra.
He received his Bachelors degree from the New England Conservatory under the tutelage of Donald Weilerstein and James Oliver Buswell IV. He continued his graduate studies at the San Francisco Conservatory, studying under Ian Swensen.
Benjamin has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras including the Boise Philharmonic, Nashua Symphony, Boise Baroque, Cape Cod Symphony, MetroWest Symphony, Dorchester Symphony, Chatham Chorale Orchestra, and the Rendezvous Festival Orchestra.
He spent two seasons as the Acting Concertmaster with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and was a concerto soloist with the orchestra in 2013. He recently was a guest Concertmaster with the Auckland Philharmonia in New Zealand and the West Australian Symphony in Perth, Australia.
Benjamin studied with Itzhak Perlman for two summers at the Perlman Music Program. Other festivals include the Schleswig-Holstein Music Orchestra, American-Bach Soloists, Yellow Barn YAP.
Tanya Huang
I was born in Taiwan but grew up in America. I started playing the violin when I was 6. I’ve been playing in New Orleans for 20 years and counting….I love dogs, plants and sleeping all day.
When I’m not performing on the street, I enjoy hiking, working in the yard, studying about the world and how to live more harmoniously with nature, people and myself.
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Moises Bonella Cunha
Increasingly recognized as a versatile and passionate performer, Brazilian-born violinist Moises Bonella Cunha has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Brazil, Italy, Russia, and United States. As winner of several competitions, Moises has been featured as a soloist with major Brazilian symphonic and chamber orchestras, including Bahia Symphony Orchestra and Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra.. He has also appeared as a soloist with Theatro Sao Pedro Chamber Orchestra, ARCO Chamber Orchestra, Northern Neck Orchestra, University of Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Camerata Florianópolis, Santa Maria Symphony Orchestra, SESI Chamber Orchestra, Caxias do Sul Symphony Orchestra, and Unicamp Symphony Orchestra, receiving excellent reviews. Solo appearances with orchestras include concerti by Bach, Bartók, Beethoven, Brahms, Glazunov, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, Sibelius, Vivaldi, and more. Moises has also performed on Brazilian television such as TV Educativa and TV Senado as a soloist of the Projeto SESI Catedrais.
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Sara Rodriguez
Sara Rodriguez is a concert violinist and strolling violinist available for hire in the New Orleans area. She offers services for events and provides private lessons. Other violinists with the same name are a freelance violinist based in Dallas, TX, who is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, and another professional violinist who is based in Wisconsin.Over the years, I have been blessed to experience incredible opportunities taking me across the United States and around the world. I am very thankful to live such an exciting life – one filled with inspiring performances and travels, bringing music to others’ special events, sharing my knowledge with the future generation of musicians, running marathons, and discovering more questions to ask about life.
Suma E. (listed as “T On The Violin”)
T-Ray The Violinist has revolutionized the violin’s role in contemporary music through his signature eclectic fusion sound. With over a decade of professional excellence, he commands stages from intimate corporate gatherings to major international festivals, establishing himself as one of the industry’s most sought-after artists.
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a romantic wedding in the Hill Country or a luxurious downtown gala, these New Orleans-based violinists and ensembles bring exceptional musicianship to every event. Each artist or group on this list offers something unique — from classical elegance to creative fusion — ensuring you find the perfect fit for your celebration.
📩 Need help booking the right violinist for your event? Reach out anytime at dreamteam@booklive.com — we’d love to help bring your vision to life.