Rachel Podger

Rachel Podger is a British violinist and conductor who specializes in historical performance and Baroque music. She is highly regarded globally for her technical mastery and historically informed interpretations of early classical repertoire. Her playing frequently features the use of period-accurate instruments and gut strings rather than modern steel strings.

Podger is perhaps best known for her award-winning recordings of Johann Sebastian Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin. She has also released critically acclaimed recordings of Mozart's violin concertos and the Rosary Sonatas by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber. Her discography largely features works from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Yes, in addition to playing the violin, Rachel Podger frequently conducts orchestras from the concertmaster's chair. She often leads Baroque ensembles without a separate conductor, guiding the musicians through her physical playing and body language. She has served as the principal guest conductor or leader for ensembles like the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Yes, Rachel Podger left Britain to study the violin at the Rudolf Steiner School in Germany during her early education. She later returned to the UK to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. It was during her time in Germany that she was first introduced to historical performance practices.