Berliner Philharmoniker

In 1882, 54 ambitious musicians in Berlin joined forces to form a new orchestra, organizing concerts on their own initiative: this marked the founding of the Berliner Philharmoniker. With Hans von Bülow, they chose one of the foremost conductors of the time to lead them. He was followed by Arthur Nikisch (1895–1922), Wilhelm Furtwängler (1922–54), and Herbert von Karajan (1956–89), who decisively shaped the orchestra’s sound and established its international reputation. From 1989 to 2002, Claudio Abbado introduced new directions, particularly with regard to contemporary music. Sir Simon Rattle, Chief Conductor from 2002 to 2018, continued to expand the repertoire and introduced innovative concert formats. Kirill Petrenko has been Chief Conductor since 2019; his work focuses on the Classical and Romantic repertoire, Russian music, and unjustly neglected works. Through an extensive education program, the orchestra addresses new audiences. Since 2021, the Berliner Philharmoniker and Petrenko have served as ambassadors for UNHCR, in support of refugees. Concerts are streamed on the Digital Concert Hall, which was launched in 2009. In 2014, the orchestra founded its own label, Berliner Philharmoniker Recordings. The ensemble also performs as an opera orchestra at its Easter Festival: following its return to Salzburg, it launched a new production of Wagner’s Ring des Nibelungen in 2026. The Stiftung Berliner Philharmoniker is supported by the State of Berlin and the German federal government, as well as by Deutsche Bank as main sponsor.

Lucerne Festival (IMF) on 30 August 1958 playing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony under the direction of Herbert von Karajan.

For further information on this ensemble, visit their homepage at: www.berliner-philharmoniker.de

April 2026