Open House 2012

What music lover would not love to look behind the scenes at the Philharmonie in Berlin? To see where the orchestral musicians and conductors prepare themselves for their performances – and to explore all the many corners of the massive building that are otherwise unseen? On the “Open House” day in May 2012 this – and much more – was possible. That day, there was music and special events to be found everywhere from both the Berliner Philharmoniker and some famous guests. You can now relive that special day in a film, free of charge.

Above all, the Berliner Philharmoniker showed surprising sides of themselves that day: in unusual chamber music ensembles, master classes, and witty encores. Horn player Sarah Willis and star organist Cameron Carpenter went on an extraordinary expedition, exploring the organ of the Philharmonie from top to bottom. Chief conductor Sir Simon Rattle was also there of course, conducting an orchestra of ambitious – and excellent! – amateur musicians and a dance project from the Education Programme, choreographed by Sasha Waltz. Honorary guest of the day was Alfred Brendel: pianist and friend of the Berliner Philharmoniker for many years. At the Philharmonie, he read his own poems and officiated at the highlight of the day: the auction of the concert grand piano which he himself had played when performing with the Berliner Philharmoniker since 1992 and which now has found a new owner, with proceeds going to UNICEF’s emergency relief in East Africa.

Berliner Philharmoniker
Sir Simon Rattle

Education Programme of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Orchestra Academy of the Berliner Philharmoniker
Chamber music groups of the Berliner Philharmoniker

The Berlin Music-Lovers Orchestra
Sasha Waltz & Guests

Alfred Brendel, Cameron Carpenter, Olli Dittrich

Production manager: Sarah Braun
Directed by Alexander Lück
Video live directing: Robert Gummlich
Edited by Uli Peschke
Creative producer Berlin Phil Media: Christoph Franke
Line producer: Katharina Bruner

A production of the Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation in cooperation with Berlin Phil Media GmbH

© 2012 Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation