René Jacobs is a multi-faceted, internationally renowned musical personality. He started his career as a countertenor, but gained world fame as a conductor of baroque and classical operas. Furthermore, he founded his own ensemble, Concerto Vocale.

From 1991 until 2009, Jacobs was artistic director to the Innsbruck's Festwochen der Alten Musik (Innsbruck Festival of Early Music). As a guest conductor, he performed in the most important opera houses and concert halls of Europe.

In 2001, the Académie Charles Cros awarded Jacobs its highest honor, the Prix in honorem, for his recordings of Reinhard Keiser’s ‘Croesus’ and for his career as a whole. In 2005 he was elected Artist of the Year (MIDEM). His recording of 'Le nozze di Figaro' won the 'Best Opera' prize in Los Angeles. In 2008, he received the Telemann Prize from the city of Magdeburg and the Klara Career Prize. Many of his recordings were awarded.