Chronicle of the Staatskapelle Berlin

Immersion in centuries of music history

With a tradition reaching back to 1570, the Staatskapelle Berlin is one of the oldest orchestras in the world. Initially it performed exclusively for the Court. However, when Frederick the Great founded the Royal Court Opera in 1742 – today’s State Opera – and merged the Opera and Orchestra, the sphere of activity of the Staatskapelle was broadened and the success story began.
The exceptional, dark and warm sound of the Staatskapelle, much praised by experts today, has grown from a long tradition. Over time famous conductors have contributed to the orchestra’s characteristic sound and musical interpretation. The Staatskapelle Berlin is an essential part of the State Opera: it undertakes the majority of the opera and ballet performances. In a series of concerts each season the Orchestra performs major symphonic works of the Classic, Romantic and Modern periods, commissioned works, and a broad variety of chamber music. Daniel Barenboim was appointed general music director of the Staatskapelle in 1992.