Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin

Ever since the Deutsche Oper Berlin was founded, its orchestra has played a key role in Berlin’s cultural life. Under the dedicated leadership of principal conductors such as Ignaz Waghalter the orchestra quickly made a name for itself, particularly through its performances of Wagner’s works and contemporary operas. Under Bruno Walter, who became principal conductor in 1926, the orchestra consolidated its musical quality as well as its prowess in the field of modern music theatre. Even after the Second World War, leading conductors such as Ferenc Fricsay, Karl Böhm and Eugen Jochum ensured the orchestra’s continued international renown. Since 1961, the orchestra has been based in the newly built opera house on Bismarckstraße, where the much-praised acoustics shape the ensemble’s sound to this day. Alongside the principal conductors, such as Lorin Maazel, Christian Thielemann and Sir Donald Runnicles (General Music Director from 2009 to 2026), the orchestra has also been shaped by other leading conductors; foremost among these was Giuseppe Sinopoli, who worked closely with the Deutsche Oper Berlin between 1980 and 1990. From the 2026/27 season onwards three conductors — Maxime Pascal, Michele Spotti and Titus Engel — will direct the orchestra as a team.

One of the orchestra’s artistic priorities is the stewardship of the works of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. Another key focus is their ongoing engagement with contemporary music. Significant world premieres in recent years include L’invisible by Aribert Reimann, Oceane by Detlev Glanert, Heart Chamber by Chaya Czernowin, l teorema di Pasolini by Giorgio Battistelli and, most recently, Lash – Acts of love by Rebecca Saunders.

The orchestra’s discography comprises over 200 releases, many of which are considered outstanding recordings. For example, the DVDs of Janáček’s Jenufa and Zemlinsky’s Der Zwerg — both conducted by Sir Donald Runnicles — were nominated for a Gramophone Award, as was their recording of Korngold’s Das Wunder der Heliane. Their DVD of the new production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen under Sir Donald Runnicles has further bolstered the orchestra’s international reputation.