NDR Elbphilharmonieorchester

The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, which celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025, is North Germany’s musical ambassador to the world. As the resident orchestra of the iconic Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, it significantly shapes the artistic profile of its home venue with its programmes. Sounds and images from the concert hall are familiar to audiences far beyond Germany – thanks to a broad spectrum of NDR concert broadcasts like video streamings, often televised and on both radio and online channels. Under the guidance of its Principal Conductor Alan Gilbert, whose contract was extended until 2029, the orchestra has launched a diverse and innovative expansion of its programme once again. Musical events ranging from symphony to chamber, club and one-hour concerts to festivals lasting several days, with works of all genres from baroque to contemporary, will shape the orchestra’s season. Beyond this, the ensemble takes its social responsibility seriously and is particularly committed to supporting young musicians and expanding music education. In addition to its performances in Hamburg, the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra regularly performs concerts in Lübeck, Kiel and Wismar and assumes a leading role at the major music festivals in North Germany. As an internationally renowned orchestra, regular tours include Europe, North and South America and Asia, where it will return in the 202 5/26 season with stops in Seoul, Taipei, Weiwuying and Shanghai. Founded in 1945 at the initiative of the British military government in Hamburg, the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra (originally named the “Symphony Orchestra of the North-West German Radio”, later — after the division of the radio stations in 1956 — as the “NDR Symphony Orchestra”) laid the foundations for a new beginning of the music scene in post- war northern Germany. Thanks to its early international tours, the orchestra soon became an indispensable presence on the global concert stage. Its artistic milestones are closely linked to the names of its influential Principal Conductors. The first, Hans Schmidt- Isserstedt, provided continuity for over 25 years and fundamentally shaped the unmistakable character of the ensemble. Later, the 20-year collaboration with Günter Wand became legendary. Appointed Principal Conductor in 1982 and Honorary Conductor for life in 1987, Wand solidified the orchestra’s international reputation. His benchmark interpretations of the symphonies of Johannes Brahms and Anton Bruckner became the ensemble’s artistic calling card. In 1998, Christoph Eschenbach was appointed Principal Conductor, followed in 2004 by Christoph von Dohnányi – continuing the line of distinguished maestros. From 2011 to 2018, Thomas Hengelbrock brought new artistic impulses to the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra during his tenure as Principal Conductor, marked by interpretive boldness and unconventional programming. From 2015 to 2020, Krzysztof Urbański was Principal Guest Conductor of the orchestra. Since 2019, Alan Gilbert has held the position of Principal Conductor. The American-born maestro came to Hamburg from the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra: from 2004 to 2015, he served as its First Guest Conductor.