Julian Rachlin is the new chief conductor of the KSO

“I am both proud and touched by the trust the orchestra has shown me during my five years as principal guest conductor. Being offered the position of music director says everything about our musical friendship and our deep artistic understanding,” says an enthusiastic incoming music director Julian Rachlin.

Rachlin is, therefore, no stranger to the orchestra. He has held the position of principal guest conductor since 2018. At the same time, he has built an international reputation that makes him highly sought after around the world, both as a conductor and a soloist. Pål Svendsberget, the artistic director of the KSO, has high hopes for this collaboration.

Big day

– This is a big day for the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra and for Kilden. It’s a day we’ve been looking forward to, and we’re very proud to have Julian Rachlin on board as our principal conductor. “With his warmth and musical power, I am certain he will take the orchestra to new heights. Julian is a conductor who knows the orchestra well, and who, through his artistry, appeals to both the musicians and the audience in a truly remarkable way,” says Pål Svendsberget.  

The whole world

Throughout his 30-year career in music, Rachlin has explored a wide range of disciplines. His multifaceted musical talents have taken him all over the world as a conductor, soloist, studio musician, chamber musician, teacher, and artistic director. In recent years, he has become increasingly active as a conductor, leading many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, and many others. He has also served as principal guest conductor of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Northern Sinfonia, and is the artistic director of the Herbstgold Festival in Eisenstadt.