Already well-established as one of classical music’s most exciting and innovative young conductors, Eric Jacobsen combines fresh interpretations of the traditional canon with cutting-edge collaborations across genres. Hailed by The New York Times as “an interpretive dynamo,” as both conductor and cellist, he has built a reputation for engaging audiences with innovative and collaborative programming. Eric joined the Virginia Symphony Orchestra as Music Director in 2021, and current and recent projects include recordings of Dvorak and Coleridge-Taylor with Gil Shaham, and Rhapsody in Blue (on banjo!) with Bela Fleck. He is entering his tenth season as Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and continues to pioneer the orchestra’s programming and community engagement. He is also artistic director and co-founder of The Knights, the adventurous NYC-based chamber orchestra. Founded with his brother, violinist Colin Jacobsen, the ensemble grew out of late-night music-reading parties with friends, food and drink, and conversation. Current endeavors include a multi-year Rhapsody project.
Eric’s musical life started at a young age surrounded by a musical family, where he discovered his love of pulling a bow across a string as a cellist. He and Colin founded the string quartet Brooklyn Rider and also performed regularly with Yo-Yo Ma as a member of the Silk Road Ensemble.
September 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Bernstein Remix! A Benefit for Artful Learning