Staatskapelle Berlin
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Staatskapelle Berlin

Staatskapelle Berlin, an orchestra with a remarkable history spanning over 450 years, holds the distinction of being one of the world's oldest musical ensembles. Originally established in 1570 as a court orchestra by Prince-Elector Joachim II of Brandenburg, its influence expanded in 1742 with the founding of the Royal Court Opera by Frederick the Great. Since then, the orchestra has maintained a close association with the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. Concert videos from the Staatskapelle Berlin are now available on Symphony.live.

About the Staatskapelle Berlin

Throughout its existence, the orchestra has been conducted by numerous renowned musicians, both in opera performances and regular concert series. Notable figures such as Gaspare Spontini, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Giacomo Meyerbeer, Richard Strauss, and Herbert von Karajan, among others, have graced its podium.

From 1991 until January 2023, Daniel Barenboim, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1942, served as the orchestra's general music director. The orchestra's international reputation was solidified through numerous guest appearances in major music centers across Europe, Israel, the Far East, and the Americas. They have performed exceptional events, including the complete symphonies and piano concertos of Beethoven in cities like Vienna, Paris, London, New York, and Tokyo. Additionally, they have presented cycles of symphonies by Schumann and Brahms, a comprehensive stage works cycle of Wagner, and Wagner's "Ring" cycle in Japan in 2002.

The orchestra has an extensive discography, showcasing their work in both operatic and symphonic repertoire. Recent releases include recordings of Bruckner's nine symphonies, piano concertos by Chopin, Liszt, and Brahms, as well as major symphonic works by Strauss and Elgar. They have also produced notable opera recordings, such as Wagner's "Tannhäuser," "Parsifal," and "Tristan and Isolde," Verdi's "Il trovatore" and "Falstaff," Berg's "Lulu," Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Tsar's Bride," and Schumann's "Scenes from Goethe's Faust," conducted by Daniel Barenboim, along with Strauss's "Rosenkavalier" under Zubin Mehta's baton.

To commemorate Staatskapelle Berlin's 450th anniversary, a CD edition titled "Great Recordings" featuring important conductors, a book, and an exhibition highlighting the orchestra's illustrious history were published.

During the current 2022-23 season, Staatskapelle Berlin embarked on guest concert tours in Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Vienna, and Paris. These performances were led by Christian Thielemann, who also conducted two cycles of Wagner's "Ring" at Staatsoper Unter den Linden in October and November 2022.


If you want to know more about the Staatskapelle Berlin, make sure to visit their website. Or follow them on their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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