Biography
The Philharmonic String Soloists Berlin were founded in 1973 by outstanding musicians from three of West Berlin’s leading orchestras. Under the direction of Toru Yasunaga, then First Concertmaster of the Berliner Philharmoniker, the ensemble quickly made a name for itself – thanks to its innovative approach and the exceptional artistry of each individual player.
A new generation took over in 2020, yet the ensemble remains deeply rooted in its tradition. Today’s members – all younger musicians of the Berliner Philharmoniker – carry forward the legacy of the Philharmonic String Soloists Berlin. Their aim is to capture the distinctive sound of the Berliner Philharmoniker in a chamber music setting: rich in colour, intimate, and full of power. One defining aspect of their artistic philosophy is the absence of a conductor. All musical decisions are shaped collectively – allowing for the greatest possible artistic freedom for every member.
The Philharmonic String Soloists are known for their remarkable stylistic range. Their repertoire spans from early Baroque to contemporary works, and new compositions are regularly written for the ensemble. One notable example is Hommage à Piotr Tchaikovski by Maki Ishii – a commissioned work for 15 string soloists, premiered in Osaka in 1990 and celebrated internationally ever since. Through concerts around the world and numerous acclaimed recordings, the Philharmonic String Soloists Berlin showcase what defines them: outstanding musicianship, stylistic versatility, and a shared passion for chamber music at the highest level.
Musicians
Krzysztof Polonek
Thomas Timm
Dorian Xhoxhi
Álvaro Parra
Harry Ward
Angelo de Leo
Eva Rabchevska
Martin Stegner
Sebastian Krunnies
Kyoungmin Park
David Riniker
Janusz Widzyk