Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
The Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (DSO) was founded in 1946 and is now one of Europe’s most renowned symphony orchestras. Its repertoire ranges from the Viennese Classical period to world premieres. Its primary venue is the Berlin Philharmonie – as well as the stages of the world’s most prestigious concert halls. The Süddeutsche Zeitung highlighted it as an "orchestral think tank" among the capital’s ensembles: an orchestra that takes a stand, pushes boundaries, and consistently brings classical music into the present. Starting with the 2026/27 season, Kazuki Yamada will take the helm as its new principal conductor.
2026/27 Season Trailer
An orchestra with character
The DSO sees itself as a cultural actor, not merely as an orchestra. In the 2023/24 season, it caused a sensation worldwide with its "No Concert Without a Female Composer!" initiative: Every program featured a work by a female composer – a statement that set a precedent far beyond Berlin. The 2024/25 season was marked by the German Stage Association’s "Orchestras for Democracy" campaign; the DSO made its commitment to an open society and to marginalized groups a central part of its program.
This self-image is not a marketing term. It is reflected in a program that juxtaposes new discoveries with familiar works, in the exploration of contemporary music, and in interdisciplinary collaborations with ensembles from the independent scene.
New formats, new audiences
For over 15 years, the DSO has been bridging the gap between the club scene and classical music with its Casual Concerts: hosted concerts featuring a lounge atmosphere and live performances that appeal to a diverse audience. Since 2014, the "Symphonic Mob" has been taking place: Berlin’s largest spontaneous orchestra, bringing together amateur and professional musicians. With up to 1,300 participants and partners such as the Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin’s "Symphonic Mob" has become an institution in its own right; its concept is now licensed throughout Europe and delights people from all over Germany and abroad.
Active on the international stage – and award-winning
As Berlin’s cultural ambassador, the DSO performs on the stages of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and festivals: the Salzburg Festival, the BBC Proms, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. In recent years, it has performed in Brazil, Argentina, Japan, China, Malaysia, and Abu Dhabi. In 2011, it won the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording – for the world premiere recording of Kaija Saariaho’s "L’amour de loin" under Kent Nagano.
Recordings such as Elgar's Violin Concerto with Robin Ticciati and Vilde Frang for Warner Classics have been highly praised by the music press.
Kazuki Yamada – A New Chapter
Starting with the 2026–27 season, Japanese conductor Kazuki Yamada will assume the role of principal conductor. Yamada is known for his broad repertoire, his tonal transparency, and his ability to combine precision with emotional depth. He succeeds Robin Ticciati, who shaped the DSO from 2017 to 2024.
History
Founded in 1946 as the RIAS Symphonie-Orchester, renamed the Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin in 1956, the orchestra has borne its current name since 1993. Since its founding, the DSO has succeeded in attracting outstanding artistic personalities: Ferenc Fricsay, as its first principal conductor, set new standards in repertoire and sound. He was followed by Lorin Maazel (1964–75), Riccardo Chailly (1982–89), Vladimir Ashkenazy (1989–2000), Kent Nagano (2000–06, since then Conductor Emeritus), Ingo Metzmacher (2007–10), Tugan Sokhiev (2012–16), and Robin Ticciati (2017–24). A new era will begin in 2026/27 with Kazuki Yamada.
The Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin is an ensemble of Rundfunk Orchester und Chöre gGmbH (ROC), funded by Deutschlandradio (40%), the Federal Republic of Germany (35%), the State of Berlin (20%), and Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (5%).
An Alpine Symphony – Richard Strauss
