Kilian Herold Principal clarinet
Information
Facts
Born in Emmendingen, Germany
Member since 18.08.2026
Biography
Kilian Herold, principal clarinettist of the Berliner Philharmoniker since the 2026/27 season, has had a close artistic association with the orchestra since 2013, regularly appearing as a substitute player. He began his career as a principal clarinettist in 2004 with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, and from 2011 to 2016 he held the same position with the SWR Symphony Orchestra Baden-Baden and Freiburg. In addition, he is an active chamber musician and soloist, and has appeared as guest principal clarinettist with orchestras including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. He has been artistically associated with the Berliner Philharmoniker since 2013 through regular guest engagements. As Jörg Widmann’s successor, he held a professorship in clarinet at the Freiburg University of Music from 2016 until joining our orchestra, where he continues to teach as an adjunct lecturer. He also regularly gives masterclasses and is the artistic director of the international clarinet festival “Clarimondo”.
