Bamberg Symphony Orchestra of Germany
Bavarian State Philharmonic has Earned an International Reputation
Oct 24, 2009
The Bamberg Symphony Orchestra (Bamberger Symphoniker), otherwise known as the Bavarian State Philharmonic Orchestra (Bayerische Staatsphilharmonie), is yet another institution of grace and art that enhances the medieval city of Bamberg, Germany, in Bavaria.
Its home is the Concert and Congress Hall (Konzert- und Kongresshalle) on the Regnitz River and thus is known as “Symphony on the Regnitz.” However, this is not the only venue where music lovers can hear the classical and romantic music performed by the virtuoso orchestra.
Bavaria’s Cultural Ambassadors
The symphony has earned the distinction of Bavaria’s Cultural Ambassadors, and, because of its talent and repute, is invited to a full annual schedule of 50 or more concerts not only in Germany but worldwide. In 2009, the musicians poured their music forth not only in Germany, but also in Japan, England, Luxembourg, and Spain. The symphony even scored a Haydn opera during Bamberg’s 2009 Summer Nights Festival. Their repertoire gives special emphasis to contemporary music, but also includes classical and romantic pieces.
Bamberg Symphony Orchestra Tickets and CDs
Ticket prices are very reasonable for such performances. Music lovers can purchase regular season ticket packages at various levels. In addition, members of the military, students, and other special groups receive discounts throughout the year. You can find specific pricing information and purchase tickets at the orchestra’s web site.
The symphony’s music appears on many CD music compilations and can be found at common CD outlets such as iTunes or Amazon.com. A special series is being recorded through an ongoing partnership with Bavarian Radio (Bayerische Rundfunk) and is being produced in its entirety at Tudor Recording AG of Switzerland.
A coveted annual concert is the symphony’s New Year’s Eve performance that tops off Bamberg’s season of celebration of Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmarkte) and the Nativity Trail (Krippenweg).
Bamberg Symphony Contact Information
Contact the Bamberg Symphony Orchesta at Konzerthalle Bamberg, Mußstraße 1 - D-96047 Bamberg, Germany, or at Postfach 11 01 46, D-96029 Bamberg, Telephone +49 (0) 951 / 96 47-100
According to the symphony’s web site, members of the Prague German Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as musicians from Karlovy Vary and Silesia, were deported from what is now the Czech Republic after World War II. These musicians established the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra in 1946, safeguarding the German symphonic tradition.
In the first two years, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Konrad Lechner, compiled a wide repertoire and presented broadly balanced concerts. In fact, the orchestra was the first German orchestra to tour Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States after the war.
Famous Bamberg Conductors
A long line of distinguished conductors and mentors have supported the orchestra through the years, including the first conductor, Joseph Keilberth, who personally knew the original members from Prague; James Loughran, his successor; and the late Horst Stein, Honorary Conductor for Life.
A parade of famous guest conductors has led the musicians as well, including Rudolf Kempe, Hans Knappertsbusch, Clemens Kraus, Eugen Jochum, Georg Solti, and Ingo Metzbach. More recently the orchestra has been joined by Gerd Albrecht, Christoph von Dohnányi, Semyon Bychkov, Mariss Jansons, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Ingo Metzmacher, and Wolfgang Sawallisch. Moreover, stellar composers such as Witold Lutoslawski, Krzysztof Penderecki, Aram Khachaturian, and Cristóbal Halffter have guested as conductors when the orchestra presented their own works.
Conductor Jonathan Nott
Currently, Englishman Jonathan Nott leads the symphony as conductor since 2000, earning high respect at home and abroad for his commitment to contemporary music. Successes in high-level festivals such as Edinburgh, Salzburg, Lucerne, St. Petersburg, Beijing, London, and New York bear this out. As of 2003 the orchestra achieved the rank of Bavarian State Orchestra (Bayerische Staatsphilharmonie). The orchestra has been a charitable foundation since 2005 and is supported through funding from the State of Bavaria and other municipal sources.
Bamberg’s Concert Hall
The concert hall itself has undergone sweeping improvements in the recent past. In 2008, the acoustics were perfected by Japanese acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota. Architects Mietusch and Partners have now implemented a design by Hamburg designer Professor Peter Schmidt just in time for the opening of the 2009/2010 season. In addition, the hall is home to concerts featuring organ, chamber music, choir and string quartet, as well as students.
International Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition
Every three years since 2004, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra hosts the International Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition at their concert hall. Named after the composer/conductor Gustav Mahler (1860-1911), this competition is designed to foster musical artistic advancement at the highest level. Over a dozen promising conductors lead the orchestra as they compete through several juried rounds, conducting prescribed works set forth by the competition’s creators. Competitors who have distinguished themselves in this competition, such as 2004’s First Place winner, Venezuelan Gustavo Dudamel, have gone on to flourishing careers.
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