Monday 30 May 2011

Berliner Philharmoniker - the Future 2011-2012

The Berliner Philharmoniker is the world's local orchestra, thanks to its Digital Concert Hall. Anyone can listen, any time, for a nominal fee, as long as they have internet access. This is the real revolution in classical music. The Berliners raise the bar for everyone else. Listening regularly to the Digital Concert Hall is an education. So much nonsense has been written about the non-future of classical music.  It's not dying, only the deadwood. The Berliners show the way ahead.

Thirty six new concerts are being broadcast from Berlin in 2011-2012. That's three concerts a month. Lots of big names - Rattle, Jurowski, Bychkov, Abbado, Thielemann, Osawa, Sokhiev, Eötvös, Haïm. Too many illustrious soloists to name. Relatively new conductors too, like Pablo Heras-Casado who hasn't done much for me yet but is respected by Boulez and Abbado. Fantastic range of repertoire! Mahler blockbusters, like Das Lied von der Erde and a Mahler 8th with a stunning lineup on 18/9. Complete operas in concert- Carmen, Die Walküre and parts of Cunning Vixen and Palestrina (Pfitzner). But look at the range of repertoire! In addition to the great classics, more unusual fare like a set of Hugo Wolf orchsetral songs, a premiere by Wolfgang Rihm, Szymanowski, Johnathan Harvey and lots and lots of Luciano Berio scattered throughout the year. HERE is the schedule. Drool!

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