Summary

The digital world was still in its infancy when the Berliner Philharmoniker first ventured into new technological territory: to make itself independent of struggling record companies and TV broadcasts, the orchestra itself became a producer. The concerts were to be shown and documented in the best sound and image quality possible on a dedicated internet platform: the Digital Concert Hall.

Principal cellist and founder Olaf Maninger first had to do some convincing – even a world-class orchestra like the Berliner Philharmoniker can be shy of the camera. The orchestra agreed, but on the condition that neither recording equipment nor lighting would intrude on the concerts. The innovative solution: instead of cameras on the stage, permanently installed, silent remote-controlled cameras provided the images from the auditorium right from the start.

In 2008, the vision became reality – and now the Digital Concert Hall is celebrating its 15th anniversary this season. Reason enough to take a look back together: at 15 years of online orchestral history and a selection of special events relating to the Digital Concert Hall.