Cellist Alisa Weilerstein Tests Positive for COVID-19 in Breakthrough Case

Weilerstein has since canceled concerts at the La Jolla Music Society's SummerFest and the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Phil

On August 16, American cellist Alisa Weilerstein tested positive for COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated.

Her positive result came after performing at the La Jolla Music Society's SummerFest and before a scheduled performance with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Upon hearing the news, the La Jolla Music Society canceled last Tuesday's concert — but after testing all participants and finding no additional positive results, resumed most of its programming on Wednesday. Weilerstein did not perform as scheduled for the SummerFest finale.

In the LA Phil concert, the orchestra's principal cellist Robert deMaine replaced Weilerstein in Beethoven's Triple Concerto. This was not the first replacement on the program, as the original soloist was Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrández, who could not travel to the United States due to visa issues.

“Well, I’ve officially joined the club no one wants to join. On Monday night, I tested positive with a breakthrough case of COVID-19. Thankfully (and because of the vaccine), I have very mild symptoms, and my family has all tested negative. I continue to follow CDC protocol and am self-isolating at home," Weilerstein wrote in a social media post last week.

"However, health and safety must always come first, and I look forward to seeing everyone again very soon. In the meantime, please stay safe and well out there!”

The VC team hopes Alisa has a speedy recovery!