Japanese-Korean-American violinist Janis Sakai began studying the violin at the age of 5, winning numerous awards and competitions including the Saint Paul Chamber Music Competition, Rembrandt Chamber Music Competition, Walgreens Concerto Competition, and the Society of American Musicians. Sakai has performed with world-renowned artists such as Amos Lee, Andrea Bocelli, Boyz II Men, Emanuel Ax, Garrick Ohlsson, Har Mar Superstar, Herbie Hancock, Itzhak Perlman, James Ehnes, Joshua Bell, Josh Groban, Kristin Chenoweth, Lang Lang, Radu Lupu, Smokey Robinson, Vadim Repin, Violent Femmes, Wu-Tang Clan, and Yo-Yo Ma.

In addition to joining the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as an acting member for the 2024.25 season, Sakai is also a regular substitute violinist for the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Colorado Symphony Orchestra, in addition to her role as Associate Principal Second Violin of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Prior to this, she performed with the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra in Japan for three years. Since moving back to the U.S., Sakai served as Concertmaster for the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for two years, and has performed with The Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, The Joffrey Ballet, Naples Philharmonic, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Music of the Baroque, and Ensemble Dal Niente.

Sakai holds degrees from the University of Denver and The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where her primary teachers were Yumi-Hwang Williams and Detlef Hahn.

When she’s not on stage performing, Sakai enjoys running and spending time with her two Shiba Inus, Oberon and Zero.