Julian Rachlin Named Chief Conductor of Norway's Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra

The Lithuanian-Austrian conductor has been the orchestra's Principal Guest Conductor since 2018

Conductor Julian Rachlin has been named as the successor to outgoing Chief Conductor Nathalie Stutzmann at Norway's Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra. The appointment is internal, as he has held the position of Principal Guest Conductor since 2018.

Rachlin was born in Lithuania, but his family emigrated to Vienna when he was just three years old. He studied the violin with Boris Kuschnir at Vienna's Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität, and privately with Pinchas Zukerman. He also studied conducting with Mariss Jansons, Sophie Rachlin, and Daniele Gatti.

As a conductor, Rachlin has made appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, among others.

He has premiered works by Krzysztof Penderecki, Giya Kancheli, Vangelis, and Lera Auerbach. He is also the dedicatee of two works by Penderecki: the Concerto Doppio for Violin, Viola, and Orchestra and the Ciaccona for Violin and Viola.

"I’m honored and deeply moved by the trust the orchestra has placed in me following my five seasons as their Principal Guest Conductor," Rachlin said of his appointment. "To be expanding the collaboration at this point is a testimony of our musical friendship and deep artistic connection. I can’t wait to continue our artistic journey together."

"This is a big day for Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra," said Pål Svendsberget, the orchestra's director. "It’s a day we’ve been looking forward to, and we’re very proud to have Julian Rachlin in place as our new Chief Conductor."

"With his warmth and musical power, I know he will bring the orchestra forward. Julian is a conductor who knows the orchestra well, and who appeals to the musicians and the audience in a formidable way through his communication of the music."