Julian Azkoul

Invited to lead orchestras under Daniel Barenboim and Sir Colin Davis, Julian’s solo appearances have included concerti with the Lebanese National Philharmonic Orchestra, Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra and Hertfordshire Chamber Orchestra. He is the artistic director and leader of the United Strings of Europe, a dynamic London-based ensemble with performances this season in France, the UK, Switzerland, Lebanon and the U.A.E. (www.unitedstringseurope.com)

A graduate of King’s College, Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music, Julian studied with pedagogues Stéphane Tran Ngoc, Ofer Falk, Mateja Marinkovic in London and Lieke Te Winkel in Vienna. Julian's chamber music partners have included Walter Delahunt, Ofer Falk, Joel Quarrington, Kate Whitley, the Allegri and Piatti string quartets, and his father guitarist Jad Azkoul.

Increasingly sought after for his leadership skills, Julian has been guest concertmaster of Camerata Nordica in Sweden and Camerata Venia in Switzerland this season. He has co-lead the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He is the co-leader of Camerata Alma Viva and a regular guest principal with Camerata Nordica in Sweden. In the UK, Julian has appeared at the Spitalfields, Dartington, BBC Proms, Latitude, Easter at King’s, Aldeburgh, Cowbridge and English Music festivals. In 2018 he is touring regularly with the London Symphony Orchestra and the United Strings of Europe, performing with his friends in the Aurea Quartet, as well as teaching violin, viola and chamber music at the Southbank International School in London.

Press reviews:

'Azkoul looked at home in front of the orchestra. A quick Google search suggests that he backs himself for big things – and justifiably so! This was complemented by steady intonation and a well-rounded sound'
– Review of Sibelius Concerto with CUSO, The Tab 2/03/12

'Epic performance!'
– London Mayor Boris Johnson, after a private performance of the Halcyon String Quartet in 2011

'...Julian and Morwenna playing together as if one had produced a golden string tone in Howell's beautiful but disturbing setting of By the Waters of Babylon'

'There was no shortage of intensity and commitment in Julian Azkoul's masterly performance of MacMillan’s A Different World'
– Review of performance at Easter at King’s Festival, The Tab 2/04/10

'Julian is a first-class violinist'
– Martin Lovett OBE, President of the Jury at Greenwich International String Quartet Competition 2009