Beethoven Orchester Bonn

The orchestra sees itself as a passionate ambassador for Beethoven – both to the city and to the world.

Since its founding in 1907, the orchestra has made a lasting impact on the music world. Conductors such as Richard Strauss, Max Reger, Volker Wangenheim, Kurt Masur, and currently Dirk Kaftan have elevated the ensemble to the top tier of German orchestras. Successful concerts and tours around the world further contribute to its outstanding reputation.

BOB’s work focuses on the development of historical repertoire in the Hofkapelle series, intercultural projects and participatory and educational concerts. Unusual concert formats have been tested and, together with institutions such as Deutsche Telekom AG, the Schauspielhaus of Theater Bonn and the Haus der Geschichte, lively and contemporary ways of communicating artistic content have been sought.

Social engagement is also close to the orchestra’s heart – whether through performances in senior, nursing, and children’s homes or by supporting the Bonn vaccination center. Another key focus is the music education program b.jung, which introduces children and young people to the world of music through a wide range of offerings such as workshops and concerts. Bonn’s General Music Director Dirk Kaftan passionately drives this initiative, which excites numerous young participants every year.

In 2021, the orchestra was awarded the European Culture Prize for its innovative direction and participatory concepts – a testament to the creative and unifying power that Beethoven and his music continue to exert today.