Esteemed – and beloved – violinist Martin Chalifour, the recently retired Principal Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic whose 30-year tenure with the orchestra is the longest in its history, begins his season-long residency at Sierra Madre Playhouse with back-to-back performances of “The Romantic Violin,” Saturday and Sunday, February 14 and 15, 2026, 5:00 pm, at the historic venue. The recital features romantic music from ballet, film, and the Golden Era (circa 1830-1890).
Chalifour, whose performances are filled with nuance, lyrical charm, technical brilliance, masterful musical storytelling, and emotional resonance, plays selections from Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake; Bizet’s opera Carmen; and “The Swan” from The Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns. The program also includes excerpts from Morricone’s “Love Theme” from the soundtrack to the film Cinema Paradisi; Brahms’ Hungarian Dances; and Grieg’s iconic Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano in C minor. Pianist Steven Vanhauwaert is the accompanist.
Chalifour has shaped a career defined by musical depth, virtuosity, and a profound connection to both solo performance and orchestral leadership. A native of Québec and alumnus of the Montréal Conservatory and the Curtis Institute of Music, he became principal concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1995 and held the longest tenure in the orchestra’s history. Chalifour has brought his rich tone, expressive phrasing, and emotional clarity to more than 60 concertos and countless chamber music settings. On stage, he demonstrates both the refined sensibility of a soloist and the collaborative awareness of a concertmaster who shapes ensemble sound.
For tickets ($40) and information, please call 626.355.4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.