The 1988 Eurovision Young Musician of the Year title launched the international career of Julian Rachlin, who performed as the youngest soloist ever with the Vienna Philharmonic. Born in Vilnius in 1974, he relocated to Austria with his parents four years later and eventually established himself as a prominent violinist, violist, and conductor in the classical music world.
Early Training and Education
Rachlin attended the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, previously known as the Konservatorium Wien, starting in 1983. He studied the violin following the Soviet tradition under the guidance of Boris Kuschnir while augmenting his skills through private instruction from Pinchas Zukerman. He further refined his craft at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, where he received the institution's International Prize in 2000.
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Following his breakthrough at the Berlin Festival, Rachlin performed under conductors such as Riccardo Muti, Lorin Maazel, Zubin Mehta, and Mariss Jansons. His 2005 debut at Carnegie Hall featured the New York Philharmonic. Throughout his career, he has performed with a diverse roster of conductors including Daniele Gatti, Klaus Mäkelä, Gianandrea Noseda, Santtu-Matias Rouvali, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Herbert Blomstedt, Myung-whun Chung, Nayden Todorov, Bernard Haitink, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Wolfgang Sawallisch.
Conducting and Festivals
Rachlin transitioned into conducting, serving as principal guest conductor for the Royal Northern Sinfonia starting in 2014 and the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra in 2018. He assumed the role of chief conductor for the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra for the 2023-2024 season and became the music director of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra for a term ending in 2026. Additionally, he founded the Dubrovnik-based festival Julian Rachlin and Friends in 2000.
Instruments and Recognition
Rachlin plays a 1704 Stradivarius violin known as the ex Liebig, provided by the Dkfm. Angelika Prokopp Privatstiftung. His viola work utilizes a 1785 Lorenzo Storioni instrument. Beyond his musical contributions, he served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and received the Golden Feather award in 2004. He remains active as a university teacher and maintains his career as a musician.
Fast facts
- Born: 1974, Vilnius
- Citizenship: Austria
- Primary Occupations: Violinist, Violist, Conductor
- Education: Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna
- UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: Yes
- Golden Feather Award: 2004
- Primary Instrument: 1704 ex Liebig Stradivarius
Questions readers ask
What is Julian Rachlin's primary professional focus?
He is a multi-disciplinary classical musician working as a violinist, violist, conductor, and university teacher.
Which major orchestra positions does he hold?
He serves as the chief conductor of the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra and the music director of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.
Achievements
- Instruments: violin and viola
- Genres: classical music
