Artistic Leadership

Julian Perkins, Artistic Director

Dubbed ‘‘The Indiana Jones of Early Music’’ by BBC Radio 3, Julian Perkins brings a dynamic and adventurous spirit to all of his music-making. As Artistic Director of Portland Baroque Orchestra, he loves collaborating with his fellow musicians to create thrilling, historically inspired – yet contemporary – performances, combining artistic excellence with meaningful scholarship. He is also Founding Artistic Director of Cambridge Handel Opera and the period-instrument ensemble Sounds Baroque in the UK while enjoying a busy and varied international career as a conductor/director, chamber musician, and solo keyboard player.

Julian has been praised as both conductor and keyboard soloist for his “demonic intensity” (BBC Music Magazine Recording of the Month), and “fluid and natural pacing” (Gramophone Editor’s Choice), conducting “as if every bar means the world to him” (Opera Disc of the Month). He was shortlisted for the 2021 Gramophone Award for his recording of Eccles’ Semele with the Academy of Ancient Music, and in August 2023 his latest clavichord disc, Handel’s Attick, was Instrumental Choice in BBC Music Magazine.

With Sounds Baroque, Julian has directed many acclaimed performances with such singers as Dame Emma Kirkby, Rebecca Evans, Mark Padmore, Christopher Purves, and Carolyn Sampson, and actors Peter Capaldi, Simon Callow, and Timothy West. He has directed numerous instrumental groups and choirs ranging from the Academy of Ancient Music, Croatian Baroque Ensemble, Deutsche Händel-Solisten, and New London Singers to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, and St. Paul’s Sinfonia. He has led many Baroque and Classical projects with London’s Southbank Sinfonia, Oregon Bach Festival, and the conservatoires in Amsterdam, The Hague, and London, and conducted acclaimed staged and concert opera productions ranging from Handel’s Rodelinda to Stephen Dodgson’s Margaret Catchpole. In the earlier part of his career, he benefited from working closely with leading conductors including Christopher Hogwood, Vladimir Jurowski, and Trevor Pinnock.

As a keyboard player, Julian performs regularly at the Salzburg Festival and has given concerto performances with ensembles including the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Orchestra of The Sixteen, and Florilegium. He has appeared as solo harpsichordist or fortepianist for the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and Welsh National Opera, among others. Active as a recitalist, Julian often performs with renowned instrumentalists and singers, has featured on All Classical Radio and BBC Radio 3, and breaks new ground at international festivals by giving solo clavichord concerts. His prize-winning discography includes world-premiere recordings of over 30 works by composers ranging from Daniel Purcell to Héloïse Werner. julianperkins.com