Over the past two decades, Rachlin has also established himself as an equally commanding presence on the podium. Known for his meticulous preparation, deep insight into the score, and instinctive rapport with musicians, he conducts leading ensembles such as the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Filarmonica della Scala, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Oslo Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, amongst others.
Rachlin is deeply committed to cultivating close and enduring artistic partnerships with ensembles. Since 2023, he is Chief Conductor of the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra (Norway), where – following his tenure as Principal Guest Conductor (2018–2023) – he has forged a dynamic artistic partnership and welcomed leading guest artists (such as Yefim Bronfman, Janine Jansen, and Mischa Maisky), firmly establishing the orchestra as one of Scandinavia’s most vibrant ensembles. Rachlin is Artistic Partner of the Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz (Germany) (2025–2028), and Music Partner of the Yamagata Symphony Orchestra (Japan) (2026–2029). In both roles, he undertakes a wide range of artistic projects throughout each season, fostering close connections with audiences and musicians alike.
From 2023-2026, Rachlin served as Music Director of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra (Israel), leading its acclaimed debut international tour, and spearheading an ambitious multi-year strategy of artistic growth, transformative projects, and global touring. Previous titled positions include Principal Guest Conductor of Finland’s Turku Philharmonic (2017–2022), and Principal Artistic Partner of England’s Royal Northern Sinfonia (2015–2020).
In addition to his work with orchestras, Rachlin is a passionate advocate for artistic exchange and has led numerous festivals over the course of his career – currently serving as Artistic Director of the HERBSTGOLD Festival at the Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria (2021-present). Under his leadership, the festival has become a magnet for world-class artists, innovative programming, and interdisciplinary collaborations, bringing together the tradition of one of Europe’s most storied cultural sites with the vibrancy of contemporary performance.
Throughout his career, Rachlin has sought out creative partnerships across disciplines, uniting with such figures as Martha Argerich, Janine Jansen, Evgeny Kissin, Mischa Maisky, John Malkovich, Sir Roger Moore, Gérard Depardieu, and Austrian pop superstar Udo Jürgens. Composers including Lera Auerbach, Giya Kancheli, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Vangelis have entrusted him with world premieres, with Penderecki dedicating several major works to him. Rachlin’s critically acclaimed recordings for Deutsche Grammophon, Sony Classical, and Warner Classics showcase a wide-ranging repertoire and a distinctive interpretive voice, earning praise for their artistic insight and emotional power. He has received numerous prizes and accolades for his work in the field of classical music, and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund.
Born in Lithuania and raised in Vienna from the age of three, Julian Rachlin studied the violin with Boris Kuschnir and Pinchas Zukerman, and conducting with Mariss Jansons, Sophie Rachlin, and Daniele Gatti. Today, he is recognised not only as an artist of remarkable versatility, but as a powerful creative force whose work – whether on stage, on the podium, or in shaping major cultural events – reflects an unshakable commitment to artistic excellence.
Julian Rachlin plays on the 1704 “ex-Liebig” Stradivarius violin and a 1785 Lorenzo Storioni viola, on loan from the Dkfm. Angelika Prokopp Privatstiftung. When not on tour, he resides in Vienna with his wife, Sarah, and their dog, Rupert.
Season 2026/2027
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