History

2008

At the general meeting on 15 June, the association officially changes its name to Freunde der Berliner Philharmoniker e. V.

2007

On 5 January, the long-standing chairman of the board of the association, Dr. Wolfgang Bühler, passes away. At the general meeting of 17 June, Prof. Dr. Manfred Erhardt is appointed as his successor. The year is for the most part dedicated to the orchestra’s 125-year jubilee, generously supported by the Friends. The Berliner Philharmoniker is presented with a valuable Storioni violin. A key highlight of the orchestra festival in November is founding the Junger Freundeskreis.

2003

In a matinée on 26 September, the Friends pay tribute to their late Honorary Chairman, Dr. Wolfgang Stresemann, on the 100th anniversary of his birth.

2002

The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is incorporated as the Stiftung Berliner Philharmoniker. The Friends’ support was crucial for this development. On 22 September at the final matinée of the year, Sir Simon Rattle is presented as the new Principal Conductor.

1999

The entire Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra become members of the Freunde der Berliner Philharmonie e.V.

1998

Appointment of a board of trustees for the association.

1989

A special event is held to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Gesellschaft der Freunde der Berliner Philharmonie e. V.

1987

Official opening of the Chamber Music Hall

1982

The Friends provide 1 million Deutschmarks for the construction of the Chamber Music Hall.

1981

The Friends begin a campaign called: “Rettet den Kammermusiksaal” (“Save the Chamber Music Hall”). Membership of the association steadily grows to 720.

1980

Plans to build the Chamber Music Hall are shelved due to the lack of public financing.

1963

Further goals are initiated by the Association:

• Support and funding for the Berliner Philharmoniker Orchestra
• Researching the history of the former Philharmonie
• Erecting the Chamber Music Hall

1960

Berlin’s city government approves funding for reconstructing the Philharmonie at the estimated cost of 13.5 million Deutschmarks – the association contributes around 1.5 million Deutschmarks to the construction cost. The foundation stone is laid at Kemperplatz by Herbert von Karajan.

1950

First lottery held to raise funds to support the re-construction of the Berlin Philharmonie.

1949

Creation of the association Gesellschaft der Freunde der Berliner Philharmonie e. V.