Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (a.k.a. the Berlin Philharmonic or BPO; in German Berliner Philharmoniker), is one of the world's leading orchestras. Its current principal conductor is Simon Rattle, who is known for his championing of contemporary classical music.

History

It was founded in Berlin in 1862 by Benjamin Bilse under the name Bilsesche Kapelle (Bilse's Band), then given its current name and reorganized under the financial management of Hermann Wolff in 1882. Its first conductor under the new organization was Ludwig von Brenner; in 1887 Hans von Bülow, one of the most esteemed conductors in the world, joined, and from then on, the orchestra's reputation became established, with guests Hans Richter, Felix von Weingartner, Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Johannes Brahms and Edvard Grieg conducting the orchestra over the next few years.

Related Topics:
Berlin - Benjamin Bilse - 1882 - Ludwig von Brenner - 1887 - Hans von Bülow - Hans Richter - Felix von Weingartner - Richard Strauss - Gustav Mahler - Johannes Brahms - Edvard Grieg

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In 1895, Arthur Nikisch became chief conductor. He was succeeded in 1923 by Wilhelm Furtwängler. The orchestra continued to perform throughout World War II, and continued with barely a break under the baton of Leo Borchard. When he died, Sergiu Celibidache took over. Furtwängler returned in 1952 until his death in 1954.

Related Topics:
1895 - Arthur Nikisch - 1923 - Wilhelm Furtwängler - World War II - Leo Borchard - Sergiu Celibidache - 1952 - 1954

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His successor was the legendary Herbert von Karajan, who remained with the orchestra until 1989. Under him the orchestra made a vast number of recordings and toured widely. Claudio Abbado became principal conductor after him, expanding the orchestra's repertoire beyond the core classical and romantic works into more modern 20th century works.

Related Topics:
Herbert von Karajan - 1989 - Claudio Abbado - Classical - Romantic - 20th century works

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Simon Rattle made it a condition of his signing with the Berlin Philharmonic that it be turned into a self-governing public foundation, with the power to make its own artistic and financial decisions. This required a change to state law, which was approved in 2001, allowing him to join the organization in 2002.

Related Topics:
Simon Rattle - 2002

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