soloist

A soloist is a performer who presents a piece or a portion of a work alone, or who serves as the featured performer in a setting that otherwise involves other performers. The term is used across music, dance, and theatre to denote a leading or main performer in a solo capacity.

In classical music, a soloist is typically a virtuoso instrumentalist or vocalist highlighted with an orchestra or in a concerto. In a concerto, the instrument’s solo passages are contrasted with orchestral accompaniment, and the soloist’s technique and interpretation drive the performance. Soloists may be invited guest artists or core members of an ensemble, and their appearances are often central to concert programming.

In opera and choral works, a soloist performs arias or other set pieces for a single singer, showcasing individual vocal or dramatic skill. In ballet and other dance companies, a soloist is a dancer who performs solo roles and may occupy a rank between the corps de ballet and the principals, depending on the company’s structure.

The concept of a soloist emphasizes individuality and virtuosic display within a larger work or program. The term derives from solo, with the suffix -ist indicating a person who performs or specializes in that role.