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A concertmaster is the principal first violinist in an orchestra, and as such functions as its principal musician.

The modern concertmaster

Symphony orchestras

The concertmaster's role in the modern symphony orchestra is mainly ceremonial in regards to the whole orchestra. He or she functions mainly as a primus inter pares, fuctioning often as a mediator between the musicians as a whole and the music director and management. The concertmaster does have some ceremony associated with the position, though. It is the concertmaster's duty to tune the orchestra before the conductor arrives on stage.

The concertmaster is directly responsible for the first violin section.

Chamber music

In a chamber ensemble, such as a chamber orchestra or string quartet, the concertmaster takes up the historical role which it held before the advent of the modern conductor. It is the concertmaster that leads the rehearsals and performances of the group as a whole.