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“… Mr. Jacobsen was an interpretive dynamo.”

The New York Times

“Jacobsen’s style on the podium was energetic and dynamic in the livelier sections, while expressive and fluid in the quieter moments, allowing the players to shape their own solo lines…”

The Boston Musical Intelligencer

“{The Knights with Eric Jacobsen] playfully combine early music with avant garde, great classics with world music — consistently blowing away audiences because this mix is simply irresistibly refined.”

Hamburger Adenblatt

“In the first movement, the contrast… between the breadth and the power of the orchestral exposition and the incredible lightness in the development is negotiated with mastery.”

Diapason

“The orchestral playing is particularly impressive: The Knights, under the baton of Eric Jacobsen, provide both a strong force and subtle sensitive moments… The orchestra gives strength in characters, glowing and shimmering… full of ever-changing virtuosic prowess.”

Primephonic

“The Knights, an ensemble that loves to share and open doors of musical exploration for audiences, has reached, with its director Eric Jacobsen, a level of ambition and sound perfection that is, again, unparalleled. Unforgettable, was the comment one could overhear everywhere when leaving the concert hall. We agree and confirm!”

Destimed (France)

“…As a conductor, Jacobsen never upstaged the music. He used graceful, sweeping motions or small, precise strokes for trickier passages. But there was nothing flashy about his direction; he appeared perfectly content to let featured musicians keep the momentum going when appropriate.”

Orlando Sentinel

“In the second movement [of Beethoven’s symphony no. 7] Jacobsen knows how to effectively approach the Funeral March and then give a sample of the ensemble’s potential in the following Presto…Jan Vogler and the Knights were in their quintessential element and caused thundering applause.”

Echo|Online

Recognized as one of classical music’s most compelling and imaginative conductors, Eric Jacobsen is celebrated for bringing fresh perspective to the orchestral repertoire while championing new music and partnerships across genres. Hailed by the New York Times as “an interpretive dynamo,” Jacobsen has earned an international reputation as both a conductor and cellist whose curiosity, warmth, and collaborative spirit create meaningful connections with audiences.

Jacobsen is Music Director of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, where he continues to shape the orchestra’s artistic vision through adventurous programming, innovative partnerships, and dynamic performances. He also serves as Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, leading the ensemble in ambitious artistic initiatives and expanded community engagement since 2015.

As Artistic Director and co-founder of The Knights, the adventurous New York-based chamber orchestra created with his brother, violinist Colin Jacobsen, Eric continues to redefine the orchestral concert experience. What began as informal music-reading sessions among friends has grown into one of today’s most distinctive ensembles, celebrated for its fearless programming and genre-crossing performances. Under Jacobsen’s leadership, The Knights have built an acclaimed discography featuring longtime collaborators including Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, Aaron Diehl, Gabe Kahane, and Anna Clyne, while continuing major artistic projects and residencies that expand the possibilities of the orchestral experience.

A lifelong collaborator, Jacobsen’s musical journey began as a young cellist in a deeply musical family. Together with his brother Colin, he co-founded the acclaimed string quartet Brooklyn Rider and toured internationally as a member of Silkroad alongside Yo-Yo Ma. These experiences continue to shape his belief that music is rooted in curiosity, conversation, and shared human connection.

In demand as a guest conductor, this season Jacobsen makes his debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Nashville Symphony, returns to the New Jersey Symphony and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and continues ongoing relationships with the Chicago Symphony, Colorado Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Dresden Musikfestspiele. He has also appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Grant Park Music Festival.

Whether leading a symphony orchestra, chamber ensemble, or multidisciplinary collaboration, Jacobsen brings storytelling, joy, and a spirit of discovery to every performance. His engaging approach invites audiences of all backgrounds into what he describes as “musical conversations,” making orchestral music feel immediate, welcoming, and deeply human. Jacobsen is married to Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Aoife O’Donovan, and together they have a daughter.

2026-2027