Orchestral history

The Berliner Philharmoniker, founded in 1882, is recognised worldwide as the epitome of musical excellence. Legendary chief conductors with different artistic and personal profiles have accompanied the orchestra on its path and provided important impulses for its development. On this page, we have summarised key chapters of the orchestra’s history for you.

A black-and-white photo the Berliner Philharmoniker with musicians seated in rows and holding instruments, a conductor at the center, ornate decor, and empty seats behind them.

The beginning

It all began with an act of rebellion: in March 1882, 50 members of popular music director Benjamin Bilse's orchestra refused to sign their new contracts ...

Benjamin Bilse

A good conductor and clever marketing strategist, he was involuntarily responsible for the founding of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

Black-and-white portrait of an older Hermann Wolff with a bald head, white beard and mustache, wearing eyeglasses and a suit. He has a monocle attached with a string. — Hermann Wolff | Picture:Archiv Berliner Philharmoniker

Benjamin Bilse and Hermann Wolff

He was one of the most important and influential concert agents of his time, and the Berliner Philharmoniker also benefited from his business skills.

Black and white portrait of Clara Schumann with a solemn expression, wearing a dark dress with lace details and a ribbon in her hair, photographed from the chest up against a plain background. — Clara Schumann, née Wieck, around 1870-1880 | Picture:Fritz Luckhardt (photographer), CC0, Wien Museum

Clara Schumann and the Berliner Philharmoniker

Clara Schumann was a composer, a piano teacher and one of the most acclaimed pianists of her day.

Hans von Bülow

Hans von Bülow, chief conductor 1887–1892, pulled the Berliner Philharmoniker out of their "well-behaved mediocrity".

A black-and-white photo of the Berliner Philharmoniker, with musicians holding instruments, a conductor standing at the podium, and music stands arranged in front of them in a concert hall. — Nikisch and the Berliner Philharmoniker in the Alte Philharmonie. | Picture:Archiv Berliner Philharmoniker

Arthur Nikisch: the soulful one

Arthur Nikisch, principal conductor 1895–1922, was possessed of a great sensitivity and intuition, and he captured the musicians’ hearts.

A sepia-toned 1918 photograph showing the Berliner Philharmoniker orchestra seated with their instruments on stage in a grand concert hall, with ornate architectural details in the background. — The Berliner Philharmoniker in Vienna | Picture:Archiv Berliner Philharmoniker

The Berliner Philharmoniker in the First World War

On the road in Europe as a propaganda orchestra

A large orchestra of musicians in formal attire sits on stage with their instruments in a grand concert hall, centered around conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler in front of an ornate backdrop. — Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Wilhelm Furtwängler at the end of the 1920s | Picture:Archiv Berliner Philharmoniker

Artistically brilliant, economically disastrous

The Berliner Philharmoniker in the 1920s

An older Georg Schumann with white hair and a mustache, dressed in a suit and bow tie, appears to be conducting music, holding a baton in one hand against a dark blurred background. — Georg Schumann | Picture:Georg Schumann Gesellschaft

Georg Schumann and the Berliner Philharmoniker

The musical partnership with conductor, pianist and composer Georg Schumann lasted over six decades.

A black-and-white photograph of Wilhelm Furtwängler conducting.

Wilhelm Furtwängler: A magician of sound caught between the times

Furtwängler, chief conductor from 1922-1934 and 1952-1954, shaped the Berliner Philharmoniker into his very own instrument.

Four men in suits sit and stand around a small round table, looking at sheet music. Three hold violins, and one stands while the others are seated, all appearing focused and engaged. — The Philharmonische Streichquartett around 1930, from left to right: Reinhard Wolf, viola, Szymon Goldberg, violin and primarius, Nicolai Graudan, violoncello, Gilbert Back, violin | Picture:Archiv Berliner Philharmoniker

Four Destinies

In memory of the Jewish members of the Berliner Philharmoniker Szymon Goldberg, Gilbert Back, Nicolai Graudan and Joseph Schuster

Black-and-white photo of a 1930s concert by the Berlin Philharmonic, with Nazi officials in the audience applauding. — 1935: Applause for Wilhelm Furtwängler and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra; in the front row from left, Hermann Göring, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Goebbels, among others | Picture:Archiv Berliner Philharmoniker

“The Reichsorchester”

The Berliner Philharmoniker in the National Socialist era

Sergiu Celibidache

Celibidache’s association with the Berliner Philharmoniker began on 29 August 1945, during one of the most tragic moments in the orchestra’s history.

Leo Borchard

The 46-year-old Leo Borchard, the orchestra’s first post-war conductor

Herbert von Karajan with gray hair in a beige trench coat stands outdoors, looking to the side. Green leaves and a modern building with an angular roof are visible in the background. — Herbert von Karajan | Picture:Siegfried Lauterwasser

Herbert von Karajan: Sound aesthete and media star

Karajan, chief conductor from 1956-1989, embodied the conductor type of the 20th century: energetic, charismatic, visionary.

A smiling Claudio Abbado in a blue shirt stands against a black background, raising one arm playfully while the other arm is extended downward. — Claudio Abbado | Picture:Cordula Groth

“I’m Claudio for everyone.”

With Claudio Abbado, chief conductor from 1990–2002, the orchestra experienced a turning point.

Sir Simon Rattle: The unconventional conductor

Sir Simon Rattle, chief conductor 2002-2018, opened the Berliner Philharmoniker to a new audience.

Orchestra history