A License to Play – The Karajan Academy of the Berliner Philharmoniker

Former students of the Orchestra Academy can be found everywhere, whether in the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna and Munich Philharmonic orchestras - and of course the Berliner Philharmoniker. "Learn from the pros" is the motto of the Academy. Founded in 1972 by Herbert von Karajan and funded by private donors, highly talented young musicians are taught by members of the Berliner Philharmoniker and are prepared for the life of professional orchestral musicians. A commitment that bears abundant fruit: About a quarter of the members of the Berliner Philharmoniker today are former students of the Academy.

Herbert von Karajan’s idea was appealing: With the Orchestra Academy, an institution was created in which young, well-trained graduates can receive the best possible preparation for the profession of orchestral musician. Both in classes and working together with long-standing and experienced members of the Berliner Philharmoniker, the students learn the particular style and the sound ideal of the orchestra. More than just learn it, they internalize it.

In their film, Daniel Finkernagel and Alexander Lück reveal the working methods of the Orchestra Academy. They document rehearsals, performances and lessons, and chief conductor Sir Simon Rattle also has his say. The result is a fascinating portrait of an institution that today serves as a model for the training of young musicians worldwide.

Sir Simon Rattle

Robert Gutsche

Eberhard von Koerber

Bernhard Freiherr von Loeffelholz

Berliner Philharmoniker

Karajan Academy of the Berliner Philharmoniker