The Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra has announced Julian Rachlin as its new chief conductor starting in the 2023-24 season.

Rachlin, the orchestra’s principal guest conductor since 2018 takes over from the current chief conductor Nathalie Stutzmann.

Julian Rachlin has worked globally as a conductor, soloist, recording artist, chamber musician, teacher, and artistic director. Currently, he is the artistic director of the Herbstgold Festival in Eisenstadt. In recent years he has conducted several of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. He also served as the principal guest conductor of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

In response to his appointment, Rachlin said in a press release, “I’m honored and deeply moved by the trust the orchestra has placed in me following my five seasons as their Principal Guest Conductor. 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.”

Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra is one of Norway‘s leading orchestras made up of 71 full-time musicians from 17 nations. The company is based in its new hall at Kilden Performing Arts Centre.