Viola
PONCHO Principal Viola
Born in Tokyo, Japan, violist Sayaka Kokubo was appointed Principal Viola of the Seattle Symphony in 2024, following 17 years as a section member. Her appointment marks a rare internal promotion in a major American orchestra — a direct leap from section member to principal.
While completing her master’s degree at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Kokubo won a section position with the Louisville Orchestra in 2005. She performed with the orchestra part-time for a year while continuing her studies, before beginning her full-time orchestral career with the Seattle Symphony in 2007. She has received top honors and awards from numerous competitions and foundations, including the Primrose International Viola Competition, Pasadena Instrumental Competition, Carmel Music Society Competition, Music Academy of the West Concerto Competition, and the Ohmagari Music Competition. Her accolades also include support from the Maestro Foundation, Colburn Foundation and Leni Fébland Foundation.
Kokubo lives in Seattle with her husband and two children.
