Konzerthaus Berlin

Konzerthaus Berlin: Schinkel Meets World-Class Classical Music

Together with the French and German Cathedrals, the Konzerthaus Berlin stands in the heart of Berlin, forming one of the most impressive square ensembles in the German capital. After massive destruction in World War II, the former Schauspielhaus (theater) was rebuilt in the GDR and reopened as a concert hall in 1984. The facade was historically reconstructed according to Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s plans, while the interior was completely redesigned to meet the needs of a concert hall. What you enter today is therefore both a historic monument and a vibrant concert hall.

Detailed decorations in gold and red, 14 chandeliers, a magnificently adorned ceiling, and almost 1,700 seats characterize the Great Hall. With its rectangular shape, it belongs to the so-called „shoebox” category, but is acoustically considered one of the best in the world. So, anyone coming to Berlin for classical concerts will find themselves in the right place here. As one of Berlin’s most representative organs, the house organ has a total of 74 stops spread across four manuals and a pedalboard. Additionally, a total of three event halls offer space: the Great Hall, the Small Hall, and the Werner-Otto Hall.

Season 2025/26: Between Tradition and Contemporary

At the annual press conference in June 2025, designated Artistic Director Tobias Rempe and Chief Conductor Joana Mallwitz presented the 2025/26 season. In his first season, Rempe focuses on dialogue with the city. This is also reflected in the program: As Artist in Residence 2025/26, the internationally acclaimed pianist Alice Sara Ott enriches the program as a soloist, chamber musician, and in the interdisciplinary discussion format „Universe”. At the same time, Bryce Dessner, who has received Grammy awards both as a classical composer and with the band The National, is a guest as Composer in Residence.

Anyone who thinks classical concerts in Berlin are exclusively for initiated connoisseurs will be proven wrong here. The concert series „Aşina” stands for a new way of listening that recognizes the familiar in the seemingly foreign. In addition, the new concert format „Berlin Tracks” combines classical music with the sound of Berlin, from folklore to soul to electropop. Furthermore, the season opening with the Konzerthausorchester Berlin under the direction of Joana Mallwitz will be broadcast live to the open-air cinemas Friedrichshain and Rehberge, thus reaching an even wider audience. Thus, the Konzerthaus Berlin strikes a balance between sophisticated symphonic music and genuine openness for all Berliners.