Dresdner Philharmonie

The Dresdner Philharmonie stands for concerts at the highest artistic level, openness to new ideas and musical education for all generations. It is one of the most important orchestras in Germany and enjoys an excellent international reputation. Guest performances on almost every continent and collaborations with outstanding artists from all over the world characterize its profile.

The home of the Dresdner Philharmonie has been the concert hall in the Dresden Kulturpalast since 2017. With its excellent acoustics, it offers the orchestra the ideal conditions to further develop its warm, rounded sound, which is particularly appreciated in the romantic repertoire. At the same time, the ensemble is characterized by a stylistic flexibility that encompasses works from the Baroque to the Viennese Classical period to the present day.

The history of the Dresdner Philharmonie began in 1870 with an initiative by the citizens of Dresden. Since then, numerous renowned conductors have shaped the orchestra, including Paul van Kempen, Kurt Masur, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Michael Sanderling and Marek Janowski.
Sir Donald Runnicles has been Chief Conductor of the Dresdner Philharmonie since the 2025/2026 season. Tabita Berglund has also held the position of Principal Guest Conductor since this season.

The orchestra is particularly committed to the development of young talent. To this end, it accepts young, highly talented musicians into its orchestral academy, the Kurt Masur Academy. The Dresdner Philharmonie also has a strong commitment to music education, with family and school concerts, innovative short concert series and digital offerings to reach new audiences.

The discography of the Dresdner Philharmonie includes over 330 works. Particularly noteworthy are recordings under Michael Sanderling with the complete symphonies by Shostakovich and Beethoven (Sony Classical) as well as recordings under Marek Janowski, including symphonies by Schumann, Schubert and “Die Schöpfung” by Haydn as well as the operas “Fidelio”, “Il tabarro” and “Cavalleria rusticana” (Pentatone). Recent recordings include “I puritani” and “French Belcanto” with Lisette Oropesa (EuroArts, Pentatone).

With its unique sound culture, its versatility and its commitment to the further development of music and music education, the Dresdner Philharmonie remains a formative institution on the international classical music scene.