About
Founded in 1882 by a group of independent musicians - Berliner Philharmoniker roughly translates as "The Berlin Music Appreciation Society" – the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra has remained a self-directed ensemble to this day. From the outset it has been one of the world’s most important orchestras, and has been led by a series of internationally renowned conductors. Hans Von Bulow was its first conductor, followed by Arthur Nikisch, Wilhelm Furtwängler and Sergiu Celibidache. In 1955, the musicians of the orchestra chose Herbert von Karajan as their new artistic director. During the years that followed, Karajan and the orchestra fashioned a new and unique sound as well as a performance standard that brought the Berlin Philharmonic worldwide fame. The tours they undertook and the recordings they have made also contributed to the reputation of the group, each of whose members is a distinguished soloist.
