The Berliner Philharmoniker were founded in 1882 and since long have been ranking among the most distinguished orchestras in the world. In 2007, the orchestra celebrated its 125th anniversary with a variety of activities. Hans von Bülow created the foundation on which the orchestra evolved further, while Arthur Nikisch expanded its repertoire considerably. Wilhelm Furtwängler concentrated above all on the works of the classical and the German Romantic periods, but also played contemporary compositions.

When Sergiu Celibidache became the orchestra’s conductor after World War II, it was also thanks to him that its new beginning was a success. After his denazification, Furtwängler was able to officially resume his activities as Chefdirigent (principal conductor) in 1952 and remained in this position until his death in 1954. From 1955 onwards, Herbert von Karajan worked together with the Philharmoniker to develop a unique aesthetic of sound and culture of playing music that made the orchestra famous all over the world, also through its countless recordings.

From 1990 until 2002, Claudio Abbado combined a classical repertoire with contemporary music, setting new accents by arranging concerts as thematic cycles, and instituted an annual concertante performance of an opera.

When Simon Rattle (born in 1955) assumed the post as conductor in the fall of 2002, educational work became a new focus – meaning the orchestra turned to a larger, and in particular younger, audience.

From the beginning, the Berliner Philharmoniker have decisively contributed to the history of musical recordings. In more recent years, its members have also become performers in noted films. RHYTHM IS IT! portrayed a spectacular dance project involving youths and children in Berlin. The movie TRIP TO ASIA provides the audience with in-depth insights into the inner life of the orchestra, its musicians, and its principal conductor, and their joint “Quest for Harmony”.