After a concert tour in Germany, he went to Paris and studied under Jean-Delphin Alard.

In 1850 he crossed the Channel, and in London his remarkable talents as a violinist were recognized after a short time.

He became leader at Her Majesty's Theatre under Sir Michael Costa and also led the new Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Choral Society.

Pollitzer was a preeminent in his day as an interpreter of classic chamber-music, his playing attaining to what may be called "the great style".

As a teacher of his instrument, he was regarded as the most eminent of his time in England and many pupils who attained distinction had studied under him.