Back in Brussels with Krzysztof Penderecki
October 18 -
It was quite a big challenge to arrive from Philadelphia on the day of the concert to play one of my favorite pieces – the Penderecki 2nd Violin Concerto – with one of my most favorite composers conducting. How special to be back in Brussels for this occasion as it is right here at BOZAR that I performed this concerto for the first time, 9 years ago with the same orchestra and conductor – the Sinfonia Varsovia and Krzysztof Penderecki. To play this work is always symbolic because of my personal relationship and friendship with Penderecki. He follows the line of Schostakovich, with his own language of course, and it is an incredible feeling to be able to discuss a piece directly with the composer. This collaboration is also very meaningful because Penderecki opened a new chapter in my life: after I participated in the creation of the Penderecki Sextet 11 years ago, I started working actively with contemporary composers. He motivated me to go beyond the classics, which continues to be an extremely inspiring adventure!
Opening the Philadelphia Orchestra season!
October 15 -
Greetings from Philadelphia! It is such a special time in Philadelphia right now for the Orchestra. Everybody knew that the fact we could actually go on stage yesterday and open the season was not a given, as a result of the very difficult times the orchestra went through these past couple of months. This being said, the orchestra is absolutely amazing, their string sound is overwhelming; it is one of the greatest orchestras in the world, and it is such an honor for me to be able to work with them for the 4th time now.
Of course I also love working with Charles Dutoit, who is a musician so close to this orchestra. He has conducted them every season since 1980! He just lifts the eyebrow and the sound of the orchestra already reacts to him! The orchestra has such great respect, admiration, love and trust for him and so, musically speaking, it is an absolutely great treat to discover the Sibelius Concerto in this combination.
I wish I had the time to visit some of the wonderful museums here, especially the world-renown Rodin Museum, but I am preparing for my upcoming concert in Brussels with the Penderecki 2nd Concerto, practicing my Paganini Caprices (which I always do… this is like brushing teeth, my every day exercise!). I also work out daily in the hotel with a personal trainer for one hour, go to the sauna, take a cold shower and feel then fit to start a new day!
No place like it on earth!
October 10 -
Just stopped off in NY for a few days before going to Philadelphia to open the Philadelphia Orchestra season! The rhythm and intensity of NYC inspire me so much! It is my third home in a way and I especially enjoy seeing my American friends again. By chance, Joshua Bell was in town so we had a chance to hang out. Going to the Mariinsky Orchestra concert at Carnegie Hall was a special and unforgettable treat. It was also a real pleasure spending some time with Valery Gergiev. Besides getting ready for the concerts in Philadelphia, I have also been doing a lot of exciting work with my team for the new American Friends of the Julian Rachlin and Friends Festival Foundation. Another highlight these past couple of days was the screening of Aleksey’s new movie, his latest project around my 10th festival, stay tuned!
Back in Dublin!
October 8 -
Greetings from Dublin! I have often come here as a soloist and it is an honor to come back as a conductor as well. It is such a pleasure conducting a full-size orchestra, and working with the RTE NSO is truly rewarding. The musicians played so well and the concert was very well received. I had such a great time here and look forward to collaborating with the RTE again in soon!
Conducting debut in Slovenia
September 29 -
Ljubljana is the beautiful capital city of Slovenia, which is so perfectly located, close to Salzburg and Italy, and near the sea. It is a pleasure conducting the Slovenian Philharmonic for the first time. We are working hard, but in a friendly atmosphere. What a treat to perform in their excellent concert hall! The first concert went really well and I am looking forward to the next one. In the interim, I am enjoying the good weather, good food and beautiful surroundings.
Conducting Mozart in Salzburg
September 25 -
What a joy to conduct Mozart for the first time in Salzburg. The Camerata Salzburg is a fantastic chamber orchestra, and quite possibly the finest Mozart players in the world. The spirit of the musicians and their dedication to the work and music was astounding. Everyone pulled together and worked late, which resulted in two amazing concerts. I even had the pleasure of being part of the orchestra, leading Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence.
13 Sonatas in 3 Days! … Bonn? Tres Bonn!
September 19 -
To all young violinists reading my blog, I really would recommend a Beethoven Sonata marathon. It does amazing things to your fingers and your mind. And no better place for Beethoven than his hometown of Bonn. The German premiere of Dubugnon’s Violiana was also a great success. I saw a fantastic photo exhibition “Through the looking brain” which is a collection of the world’s best photographers. I strongly recommend you take a look. Incredible!
Reconnecting with La Scala
September 13 -
It was wonderful reconnecting with La Scala after so many years. There were lots of musicians in the orchestra who met me on my very first tour when I was 14 years old, so it was great seeing them again! It was also very special collaborating with Daniel Harding, who is a truly brilliant musician. The first concert was a powerful tribute to the memory of those lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11th.
Festival was amazing!
September 9 -
I can not believe it is over already! The festival was incredible. The concerts were well attended, the music was of such high quality, and playing with FC Barcelona was as wonderful as I thought it would be! Check out the photos in the video gallery!
Getting ready for the Festival
August 20 -
It is so nice to be back in Dubrovnik. The weather is beautiful and my team is working full steam for the upcoming Festival. I am enjoying studying my conducting scores and preparing for my next concerts. But I have an appetite for sushi. Anyone want to come?
Heading to Dubrovnik
August 18 -
Am heading to Dubrovnik tomorrow and am excited to launch the 11th festival. With the new local team in place, the opening concert with Zubin Mehta, the UNICEF soccer gala with FC Barcelona, this year promises to be perhaps the best JR& Friends Festival yet.
Vacation… Sweet Vacation…
August 12 -
There is nothing like practicing hours of violin on a yacht in the Greek islands! Great friends, great weather and a great way to get ready for the Festival later this month. Some days, we really must remember to be grateful for what we have and enjoy it. :-)
Happy Birthday Vadim!
July 31 -
Up in the Swiss Alps in the city of Verbier, the air is clear, the music is beautiful and the friends are plentiful. I had the pleasure of playing an AMAZING happy birthday written by Aleksey Igudesman, my best friend, for another close friend, Vadim Repin. You have got to hear this piece!
35,000 screaming fans… Amazing!
July 23 -
That was my biggest audience yet! 35,000 people screaming, cheering and singing along to the FC Barcelona and Hajuk Split’s anthems. A dream come true to open for my favorite soccer team. Take a look.
Udo Jurgens – Back in the Studio
July 14 -
I am working hard and having great fun recording the soundtrack for Udo’s new movie, Der Mann mit dem Fagott, an autobiography of Udo’s incredible life. The soundtrack will be released by SONY … keep an eye out for Udo’s new master work.
Back in Turkey!
July 10 -
If you haven’t been to Turkey, you REALLY should come! It is such a special place on so many levels. Playing the Academy of St. Martin’s in the Field was of course a true honor and I look forward to many more collaborations with them.
He Shoots… He Scores!!
July 6 -
I am still in Dubrovnik and had so much fun playing soccer on a real soccer team last night! I scored 2 goals for my team. :-) It was a great game and we had a fabulous time celebrating afterwards with a delicious BBQ.
With Aleksey & Hans Zimmer in London
June 28 -
I arrived in London yesterday night and had a memorable time with Aleksey and Hans Zimmer. Today I am rehearsing with the Academy for our concert in Bodrum this weekend. It is so great playing with them again. Such brilliant musicians!
Japan Needs Us….
June 24 -
I don’t believe there could be a better reason to blog than the fundraising concert I am giving tonight to help the victims of the Japanese tsunami. I ask each of you to take a moment, be grateful for all the blessings in your life, hug your loved ones and give what you can to help those less fortunate.
Starting my blog
June 20 -
So.. here we go… I have finally entered the 21st century with my own blog! Stay tuned… news and fun events are coming soon!