The Ulster Orchestra based in Northern Ireland has recently revealed changes to its front desk structure. After the departure of their long-standing Leader Tamás Kocsis, who had held the position of concertmaster within the orchestra since 2010, the ensemble has decided to adopt a new arrangement with two co-equal Leader roles.

Ioana Petcu-Colan, who previously served as the orchestra's Associate Leader, has been selected for the first of these two roles. Hailing from Romania, Petcu-Colan pursued her education in France, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Throughout her tenure, she has taken the spotlight in various solo performances alongside the orchestra. Notable among these are her renditions of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4, the Mendelssohn Double Concerto (performed with pianist Michael McHale), and her live broadcast on BBC Radio 3 during the UK premiere of Ian Wilson's composition, "Sullen Earth."

Petcu-Colan is particularly dedicated to contemporary music and has engaged closely with renowned composers such as Arvo Pärt and Pēteris Vasks prior to interpreting their works. Her accomplishments also encompass a joint performance with Philip Glass in a concert setting, as well as her presentation of Luigi Nono’s "La Lontananza Nostalgica Utopica Futura," a 45-minute composition for solo violin and tape, broadcasted on BBC3.

Furthermore, she is a regular presence at chamber music festivals both within Ireland and internationally. Her participation spans festivals such as Cheltenham, Ryedale, Bergen, Heidelberger Frühling, the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, Kilkenny Arts Festival, Clandeboye, and the Sligo New Music Festival.

The Ulster Orchestra has communicated its intention to designate a second Leader in the coming times.