Julius Rudel (6 March, 1921, Vienna -) is a major American orchestra conductor who emigrated to the US from Austria at the age of 17 to study at the Mannes College of Music in New York City. He then forged a 35-year career with the New York City Opera, from 1944 to 1979, and was the Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic. In 1978, he first conducted at the Metropolitan Opera, making his debut with Werther. He has also won a Grammy Award.

Rudel was a student at the Academy of Music in Vienna, but left Austria in 1938, after the country was annexed by Germany. After completing his music studies in the United States, he joined the New York City Opera, making his conducting debut in 1944. After rising to principal conductor and general director, he formed a partnership with Beverly Sills, who became the leading soprano of the NYCO.

Rudel has conducted major orchestras and operas throughout the world. In 1979, he accepted the position of Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, succeeding Michael Tilson Thomas. He led the BSO through the 1985 season. He was the first Music Director of both Washington's Kennedy Center and of the Wolf Trap Festival.