Anna Rakitina

Anna Rakitina is a Russian-Ukrainian conductor born in Moscow to a Ukrainian father and Russian mother. She started her musical journey as a violinist before studying conducting at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and later continuing her studies in Hamburg, Germany. Over the years, she has worked with numerous prestigious orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra (where she was assistant conductor from 2019 to 2023 and only the second woman to hold that post), the Los Angeles Philharmonic as a Dudamel Fellow, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and many European ensembles. Known for her dynamic and insightful leadership, Rakitina frequently collaborates with esteemed soloists like Joshua Bell and champions contemporary composers such as Anna Clyne and Ellen Reid. She has earned several conducting awards, notably second prize at the 2018 Malko Competition.

Her career highlights also include conducting opera performances of works like Tchaikovsky's *Eugene Onegin* and Britten's *The Rape of Lucretia*, guest conducting engagements around Germany, and participation in masterclasses led by maestros like Bernard Haitink and Alan Gilbert. Rakitina is recognized as a rising star in the classical music world due to her exceptional musicianship and growing presence on international stages.

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