Philharmonie

The Berlin Philharmonie: A Hall That Sets Standards

Whoever enters the Philharmonie for the first time immediately understands why this building changed the world of concert halls. Hans Scharoun’s design is asymmetrical and tent-like, built around the core of the building, the stage, according to his principle of developing buildings from the inside out. The result is radically democratic: the podium with the musicians forms the center of the 2,250-seat hall, surrounded by rising audience blocks. Thus, the audience sits not in front of the orchestra, but in the middle of it. There are even seats behind the orchestra, from which concert-goers can look directly at the conductor.

Acoustically, the Philharmonie is also a masterpiece. The partly opposing arrangement of various room elements with reflecting, curved surfaces and steps ensures concentrated acoustics and uniform audibility. History has proven that this approach works: While the unusual architecture and novel concept of the concert hall initially sparked controversy, it now serves as a model for concert halls worldwide.

World-Class Classical Music with Kirill Petrenko

Anyone wishing to experience classical concerts in Berlin simply cannot bypass the Philharmonie. Herbert von Karajan conducted the opening concert, followed by Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle, and since the 2018/19 season, Kirill Petrenko. Petrenko leads the orchestra through a broad repertoire: from Viennese Classical music to 21st-century music, from solo concertos to ballet suites. For the 2025/26 season, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand is among the scheduled performances. Additionally, international soloists and conductors regularly make guest appearances. Those who cannot attend in person can use the Digital Concert Hall, which since 2008 has made it possible to follow most concerts in high-quality video and audio streams or watch concert recordings from the last fifty years. Tickets are in high demand, so it’s advisable to plan ahead.