Staatskapelle Berlin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Staatskapelle Berlin
Orchestra
Pierre Boulez and the Staatskapelle at the Musikverein, April 2009
Former name	Kurbrandenburgische Hofkapelle Königlich Preußische Hofkapelle
Founded	1570
Location	Berlin, Germany
Music director	Christian Thielemann (designate, effective 1 September 2024)

The Staatskapelle Berlin is a famous German orchestra. It is the main orchestra for the Berlin State Opera, which is a big opera house in Berlin, Germany. This orchestra is one of the oldest in the world! Before 1918, it was known as the Royal Orchestra.

History of the Orchestra

The Staatskapelle Berlin started a very long time ago, in 1570. At that time, Joachim II Hector, Elector of Brandenburg created rules for an orchestra at his royal court. In 1701, the leaders of Brandenburg also became Kings of Prussia. So, the orchestra became known as the "Royal Prussian Court Orchestra." It had about 30 musicians.

Later, in 1742, Frederick the Great started the Royal Court Opera. The orchestra then became connected to this opera house. Many famous musicians worked with the orchestra, including Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and Franz Benda.

First Public Concerts

The orchestra's first concert for everyone, not just royalty, happened on March 1, 1783. It was held at the Hotel Paris. Johann Friedrich Reichardt, who was the orchestra's Kapellmeister (a German word for music director), led this concert.

When Giacomo Meyerbeer became the Kapellmeister in 1842, the orchestra started doing more. They began a yearly concert series for people who bought tickets. The orchestra also performed new music for the first time, including pieces by famous composers like Richard Wagner and Felix Mendelssohn.

Modern Times

The orchestra's music director, called the Staatskapellmeister, is also the music director for the Berlin State Opera. From 1945 to 1990, the orchestra was in the eastern part of Berlin, which was then part of East Germany.

Daniel Barenboim was the Staatskapellmeister for a long time. In 2000, he was even given the special title of "conductor for life" for the orchestra. In 2013, the orchestra played at the BBC Proms in London for the first time. They performed all four operas of Der Ring des Nibelungen, which was a huge event!

In 2017, the orchestra and Daniel Barenboim performed all the symphonies by Anton Bruckner at Carnegie Hall in the United States. This was the first time all of Bruckner's symphonies were played live in the US. They also performed two symphonies by Edward Elgar at the Proms in 2017. The Staatskapelle Berlin was the first orchestra from outside the UK to do this.

In January 2023, Daniel Barenboim stepped down from his role because of health reasons. In September 2023, Christian Thielemann was chosen to be the next music director, starting on September 1, 2024.

Leaders of the Orchestra

Here are some of the important conductors who have led the Staatskapelle Berlin:

Honorary Conductors

These conductors have been given special honorary titles by the orchestra:

• Otmar Suitner
• Pierre Boulez
• Zubin Mehta

See also

In Spanish: Orquesta Estatal de Berlín para niños