December 4, 2025
Auditioning for the Los Angeles Philharmonic is nerve-racking enough, but what happens when the audition committee pranks you? After making it through the final round this October, violinist and Kaufman Music Center alum Bianna Bell was surprised to learn that she must perform in a “super-final round” – with no instructions on what to play. “When I walked into the hall and saw the entire audition committee standing there cheering, I quickly realized there was no extra round – I had gotten the job,” she says. “In the moment it all felt so unreal. I wanted to cry tears of joy but couldn’t. I was just completely in awe.” At age 20, Bianna will be the youngest member of the orchestra, and one of the youngest to ever perform in the First Violin Section.
The unparalleled artistic immersion Bianna experienced as a Special Music School student profoundly impacted her, she explains. “Music theory three times a week, music history twice a week, choir, dance classes, art class, the list goes on. Being exposed to so many facets of artistry from such a young age opened my mind and taught me to think expansively.” Bianna credits her teachers Viktor Basis and Nurit Pacht with shaping her as a player. “Their consistency and dedication taught me discipline and patience and what it means to truly refine a craft over time.”
Currently in her third year at the Colburn Conservatory of Music, Bianna enjoys the Los Angeles weather as well as the stunning beaches and hiking trails. Passionate about both classical and pop music, she brings the genres together through her project Dies Irae Rave. “It’s a theatrical string quartet performance that blends house and techno music with classical aesthetics,” she explains. “The performers dress in Mozart wigs and sunglasses, playing to backing tracks of house music.” Audience members of all ages can dance and unwind at these concerts, which Bianna hopes will spark mainstream listeners’ interest in exploring classical music. Since its L.A. debut this year, Dies Irae Rave has also appeared at the Aspen Music Festival and The Majestic in San Pedro.
Since landing her dream job, Bianna’s been daydreaming about performing in Walt Disney Concert Hall, moving into her new apartment, and maybe even getting a cat – “hopefully one that enjoys the sound of me practicing!” she says.
