The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra is delighted to launch its 85th Anniversary celebrations with an exciting announcement of Julian Rachlin as its new Music Director. Marking the new era in the orchestra’s history, Maestro Rachlin will begin his tenure in October 2023.

Julian Rachlin is widely recognized as one of the most eminent violinists and orchestral conductors of our time. Over the last several decades, Rachlin has shared the stage with the world’s greatest soloists, orchestras, and conductors. Zelig Rabinovitz, Chair of the JSO Board of Directors, remarks: „The orchestra was looking for a strong and dedicated leader to enhance its artistic excellence, and elevate the organization’s profile globally. We have found that leader in Julian Rachlin, and we are exceedingly happy to welcome him in Jerusalem!“

Of his new position, Julian Rachlin said: „I’m immensely grateful and excited to take on this new role. Having performed regularly in Israel over the last 35 years, the trust the musicians and the City of Jerusalem have placed in me is particularly meaningful. I’m incredibly fortunate to work with such highly skilled artists and such a highly motivated team in a city where I feel very much at home, and can’t wait to embark on this joint musical journey.“

Moshe Lion, the Mayor of Jerusalem, stated: „On behalf of the City of Jerusalem, I would like to congratulate both Maestro Julian Rachlin and the Jerusalem Symphony! We believe that the JSO is one of Jerusalem’s most valued cultural treasures, and we look forward to working with Mr. Rachlin on making this orchestra our city’s cultural ambassador to the world.“

Currently, in addition to his new role with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Rachlin is Chief Conductor of the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra (Norway) beginning in the 2023/24 season, Principal Guest Conductor of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra (Finland), and Artistic Director of the Herbstgold Festival at the Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt (Austria).

The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra

Having been established in 1938 in the most magical place on Earth, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra (JSO) was destined to become one of the world’s most captivating ensembles. Founded initially as part of the Palestine Broadcasting Service, the JSO has played a crucial role in developing the cultural sphere of the State of Israel, launching careers of the world’s best musicians, and promoting Israeli composers. Outstanding conductors, composers, and soloists have considered it a great honor to come to the Holy Land to work with the JSO – among them were Igor Stravinsky, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Rubinstein, Yehudi Menuhin, Mstislav Rostropovich, Pablo Casals, Isaac Stern, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Yefim Bronfman. Millions of Israelis grew up listening to the orchestra’s weekly radio broadcasts, and its performances on the world’s most prestigious stages have been praised by critics and audiences alike.

Presently, in addition to traditional classical orchestral concerts, the JSO strives to become an all-embracing “Sound of Jerusalem”, as well as to serve as the city’s cultural ambassador to the world by presenting multi-faith musical festivals; launching educational projects in East and West Jerusalem; performing Jewish, Arabic and Christian music; building cultural bridges with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco; and growing a global youth network of the Jerusalem Music Ambassadors.