The annual concert in the Berlin Waldbühne is a highlight of every concert season of the Berliner Philharmoniker. This is not only because the concert marks the end of the season and the commencement of the summer vacation for the musicians but in particular because the atmosphere at the venue is so extraordinary. Even after 25 years, the moment of arriving at the stage and beholding the giant panorama of 25,000 people, bubbling over with joyous expectation of the hours ahead, still takes your breath away, every single time. This excitement is felt by all the artists who perform here, conductors, soloists and orchestra members alike, and it is what gives the concert its special character.” Stanley Dodds, Media Chairman Berliner Philharmoniker
Every last Sunday in June, the Berliner Philharmoniker play their famous Waldbühne concert. In 2007, its theme was an evening of rhapsodies that saw soloists Stephen Hough (who was described by Classic FM as ‘one of the best pianists of all time’) and Wenzel Fuchs (clarinet) joining Simon Rattle and the orchestra.
The programme includes rhapsodies by Dvorak, Rachmaninov, Debussy, Prokofiev, Delius, Chabrier, Mompou and Enescu.