About us
The Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz (German State Philharmonic Orchestra of Rhineland-Palatinate) is one of the most popular German concert orchestras. The group’s refined sound and extraordinary musical interpretations have given itself international acclaim. Highlights include a variety of styles, ranging from great symphonic works to music theater productions to film music and silent film projects.
Founded in 1919 in Landau Pfalz, the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz is based in Ludwigshafen am Rhein. The 88 musicians perform about 90 concerts each season. As a traveling concert orchestra, the group has appeared in several locations within Rhineland-Palatinate. In addition, the Orchestra serves as a musical ambassador at home and abroad. The Orchestra appears regularly in many musical centers of the German-speaking world, including, for example, the Cologne Philharmonic, the Philharmonic in Essen, the Festspielhaus in Baden-Baden, the Grosses Festspielhaus in Salzburg and the Vienna Konzerthaus. International events include tours in the United States of America, South America, China, Spain, Finland and Austria.
The Chief Conductor of the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz is Karl-Heinz Steffens. The Principal Guest Conductor is George Pehlivanian. Former Chief Conductor, Leif Segerstam currently serves as an Honorary Conductor. Other former conductors include Otmar Suitner, Christoph Eschenbach, Theodor Guschlbauer, Bernhard Klee and Ari Rasilainen. Richard Strauss and Ernst Boehe were conductors during the early days. From the 1950s to 1970s, Sergiu Celibidache led the group to many artistic achievements.
In recent years the Orchestra has worked with numerous internationally known artists. Recent highlighted performers include Sol Gabetta, Edita Gruberova, Hilary Hahn, Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Sabine Meyer, Midori, Juan Diego Flórez, Jonas Kaufmann, Nigel Kennedy, Radu Lupu, Juha Uusitalo and Frank Peter Zimmermann.
The Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalzhas worked extensively on film music and silent film projects. Frank Strobel, founder of the European Film Philharmonic, initiated this program. In June 2009, the orchestra played the music for the internationally award winning film “Pope Joan”.
The Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz regularly records CDs with labels from cpo, Claves, and Sony Classical. The Orchestra is often heard on Deutschlandradio Kultur and SWR Radio.
The Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz supports “Listen To Our Future”, an educational program for children and young people. Information on this program can be found on the Orchestra’s website or at http://www.listen-to-our-future.de. The concert educational program has won several awards nationwide.
