Achim Holub

The Austrian conductor Achim Holub is widely recognised as one of the most successful representatives of Austria’s new generation of conductors. Critics have highlighted his distinctive musicality, dynamic interpretations and assured technical control, qualities emphasised by glowing reviews from the likes of Robert Matthew Walker and John Packwood, who praise his ability to conduct with clarity and depth, without excessive gesticulation. His artistic career reveals a balance between technical rigour, meticulous preparation and an innovative interpretative approach, winning over audiences, musicians and artistic directors alike.

Since 2010, Holub has been principal conductor of the London Classical Soloists, one of London’s leading chamber orchestras, with whom he has performed landmark symphonic works, including the complete cycle of Beethoven’s symphonies, and is currently developing cycles of Schumann and Brahms. He has collaborated for several years with Orpheus Sinfonia and Firebird, projects under the patronage of Dame Judi Dench, performing in prestigious venues in London and on international tours. He is also artistic director of the Kammerphilharmonie Graz, one of Central Europe’s leading chamber orchestras, with an extensive concert programme in Austria.

Over the course of a career spanning more than twenty years, he has worked with leading European orchestras, including the English Baroque Soloists, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the NDR Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic, having served as assistant conductor to some of these ensembles and as a close collaborator of Sir John Eliot Gardiner, including on recordings for Deutsche Grammophon. Born into a creative and cosmopolitan family, he began his musical studies at the age of six and trained in conducting under masters such as Milan Horvat, Michael Gielen and Ferdinand Leitner, whilst also taking part in the prestigious NOS Conductors’ Masterclass and being invited by Sir Georg Solti on a study visit to the Salzburg Festival. Alongside his conducting work, he is active as a teacher and performs regularly as a pianist in chamber music concerts and Lied recitals.