The Berlin Philharmonic, under the baton of its esteemed chief conductor Kirill Petrenko, embarks on its 25th U.S. tour, captivating audiences with two distinct programs across eight concerts. This ambitious tour marks the orchestra’s second visit in a span of three years, showcasing their enduring commitment to sharing their extraordinary musicality with American fans.
From November 15th to the 26th, the iconic ensemble will grace the stages of Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Chicago, each performance promising a transcendent experience.
One program features a captivating selection of works, including Rachmaninoff‘s hauntingly beautiful “The Isle of the Dead,” Korngold’s dazzling Violin Concerto, and Dvořák’s powerful Seventh Symphony. The other program will be dedicated to Bruckner’s monumental Fifth Symphony, a sprawling composition spanning approximately 80 minutes, performed as a tribute to the composer’s 200th birth anniversary in September.
The orchestra’s recent Carnegie Hall concerts offered a glimpse into the profound impact of Petrenko’s leadership. Audiences were mesmerized by the breathtaking emotional depth and crystalline clarity of their performance. Petrenko conducted with an expressive intensity, signaling poignant pauses with subtle nods and propelling cathartic crescendos with sweeping arm movements, reminiscent of powerful tennis backhands.
“The touring is really important because we want to first meet our audiences,” orchestra general manager Andrea Zietzschmann explained. “We are artists, and we have a strong ambassador role.”
This international ensemble embodies the spirit of global collaboration, with 34 nations represented amongst its 130 members. Five American musicians, including Noah Bendix-Balgley, one of the three concertmasters, proudly contribute to the orchestra’s rich tapestry of talent.
In an era dominated by readily accessible audio and video streams, the Berlin Philharmonic recognizes the irreplaceable value of live performances. The inherent energy, immediacy, and shared experience of witnessing music unfold before your eyes remain unmatched.
Underscoring the orchestra’s commitment to engaging with a global audience beyond its physical tours, the digital concert hall, launched in 2008-09, has garnered a devoted following. The U.S. stands as the second-largest market for this platform after Germany, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the orchestra’s digital presence.
“The touring is really important because we want to first meet our audiences,” Zietzschmann shared. “We are artists, and we have a strong ambassador role.”
What two distinct programs will the Berlin Philharmonic be performing during their US tour?
## Interview: The Berlin Philharmonic Returns to the US
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about a very special event for classical music lovers across the country: the return of the Berlin Philharmonic! Joining us to discuss this exciting tour is [Guest Name], a renowned music critic. Welcome, [Guest Name].
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The Berlin Philharmonic is embarking on its 25th US tour, and it seems like they’re pulling out all the stops.
**Guest:** Absolutely. This is a momentous tour for the orchestra, showcasing their enduring dedication to American audiences. It’s remarkable that they’re back for the second time in just three years [[1](https://theclassicalreview.com/2024/11/opening-u-s-tour-the-berlin-philharmonic-more-than-lives-up-to-its-name-in-washington/)].
**Host:** Tell us about the tour. Where can people catch them?
**Guest:** From November 15th to the 26th, the Berlin Philharmonic will be gracing the stages of major US cities. We’re talking Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Chicago. [[1](https://theclassicalreview.com/2024/11/opening-u-s-tour-the-berlin-philharmonic-more-than-lives-up-to-its-name-in-washington/)].
**Host:** Wow, that’s quite a schedule! What can audiences expect from the performances?
**Guest:** They’ve prepared two distinct programs for this tour. One program features a beautiful mix of well-loved pieces, including Rachmaninoff’s haunting “The Isle of the Dead,” the dazzling Violin Concerto by Korngold, and the powerful Seventh Symphony by Dvořák. The other program is a real treat for lovers of larger-scale works. It’s entirely dedicated to Bruckner’s monumental Fifth Symphony, which is a truly awe-inspiring piece of music.
**Host:** It sounds like this is a tour not to be missed.
**Guest:** I couldn’t agree more. The Berlin Philharmonic under Kirill Petrenko’s direction is truly a force to be reckoned with. They consistently deliver world-class performances, and these concerts promise to be truly transcendent experiences.
