Elena Urioste joins the Academy as Violin Professor
News Story
We are pleased to announce that internationally renowned violinist Elena Urioste will join the Strings Department as Violin Professor, taking up the position from autumn 2026.
Elena is a sought-after violinist, regularly appearing as a soloist with major orchestras. Across Europe, Elena has appeared with orchestras such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Hallé, Philharmonia, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of Opera North, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra, as well as the BBC’s Symphony, Philharmonic, Scottish Symphony Orchestras. She has also performed with leading orchestras across the United States and internationally.
As a chamber musician, Elena has performed as featured artist at festivals across the globe. She is the founder and Artistic Director of Chamber Music by the Sea and is the co-director of the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective. She was appointed Associate Ensemble at Wigmore Hall in 2020.
Elena has received recognition across the music profession. She has been awarded first prizes at the Sphinx and Sion International Violin Competitions, a BBC Music Magazine Award (2022), a Royal Philharmonic Society Inspiration Award (2020) and is a former BBC New Generation Artist (2012-14). She has also received an inaugural Sphinx Medal of Excellence presented by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. In 2015, Elena composed and starred in independent feature film But Not For Me, for which she won the Brooklyn Film Festival’s Audience Choice and Best Original Score awards.
Elena was awarded an Honorary Membership to the Academy at this week’s Graduation Ceremony for her contributions to the profession.
Elena Urioste at the Royal Academy of Music Graduation Ceremony, 2026.
© 2026 Frances Marshall
I could not be more excited to join the team at the Royal Academy of Music! Alongside my performing career, I have loved teaching ever since I was a conservatory student myself and it means so much to me to now explore this facet of musical life in my adopted home of London. The satisfaction of witnessing students' real progress in action is at least equal to that of performing onstage — I can't wait to incorporate my knowledge about breath work, mindfulness and alignment into my violin teaching in this new environment and I look forward to passing on the belief that the physical, mental and emotional processes of music-making should feel empowering and holistic.
I’m delighted to welcome Elena Urioste to the Royal Academy of Music as Professor of Violin. Elena is an internationally acclaimed musician and inspiring educator. She brings exceptional artistry, insight and a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. She is a fantastic asset to our distinguished department and institution.
