Julian Gil Rodríguez

Violin

Mahler. Symphony No. 5 (October, 2024)

Born in 1984 in Colombia, Julian Gil Rodríguez began playing the violin at the age of 11. He won first prize in the national violin competition „Olga Chamorro“ in Bogotá in 2006, leading to a performance of the Bruch Violin Concerto in G minor with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Colombia. Rodríguez now holds the position of Principal Second Violin in the London Symphony Orchestra.

Which stage do you feel most at home performing on?

My job primarily takes place at the Barbican Centre in London, so that’s the hall I spend the most time in. However, venues like Suntory Hall in Tokyo, the Paris Philharmonie, and the Berlin Philharmonie always bring a special comfort to performances. Their acoustics are so exceptional that you feel like you have the wind at your back.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a musician?

Amazing, big things are often built from countless small efforts.

Do you think there is humor or irony in Mahler's fifth Symphony?

Of course, there are moments throughout the journey that you could compare to human humor or irony. But the way it resonates with me feels like a direct message from some larger-than-life force, channeled through Mahler. I wouldn’t be able to explain otherwise how music like the Adagietto exists. It’s in a different dimension. It hits me every single time.

What kind of music created on Earth should be sent into space?

I would include all of Strauss’ symphonic poems, all of Mahler’s symphonies, some Beethoven string quartets, and, as a big fan of salsa music, the La Fania All Stars Collection. I think anyone who found that collection would be happy!

Utopia in three words?

Commitment, passion, power.