Runtz, Dawid

Dawid Runtz is emerging as one of the most distinctive conductors of his generation, recognized for architectural clarity and dramatic instinct, and an uncommon ability to galvanize orchestras into performances of conviction, color, and emotional force. Chief Conductor of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra since 2021 and of Sinfonieorchester Liechtenstein since January 2026, he combines the leadership of a music director with the curiosity and intensity of a conductor in rapid international ascent.

Recent highlights include major appearances with both orchestras in leading European musical centers: the Vienna Konzerthaus with Sinfonieorchester Liechtenstein and the Großes Festspielhaus Salzburg with the Zagreb Philharmonic. His Vienna debut with Sinfonieorchester Liechtenstein drew exceptional notice, with Pizzicato praising his Scheherazade as “assured and clearly defined” and “elegant.” In 2026, he led Sinfonieorchester Liechtenstein on tour in Poland as part of the 30th Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival with Arabella Steinbacher. Upcoming engagements include collaborations with Lang Lang and the Zagreb Philharmonic, Nadine Sierra and Javier Camarena at Vaduz Classic, and Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano.

Runtz has collaborated with soloists including Frank Peter Zimmermann, Fazıl Say, Camille Thomas, Michael Barenboim, Roman Simović, and Vivi Vassileva. From 2017 to 2024, he served as Principal Conductor of the Polish Royal Opera. His honors include the Croatian Orlando Award and Poland’s Jan Kiepura Theatre Music Award for Best Conductor.

Dawid Runtz is represented worldwide by Sheldon Artists.