Acclaimed Debut of the Würth Philharmoniker at the Berlin Philharmonie / Würth Philharmoniker Conquer the Berlin Philharmonie with an Opera Gala for the First Sunday of Advent
With a sold-out Grand Hall of the Berlin Philharmonie, the Würth Philharmoniker celebrated a dazzling debut on the First Sunday of Advent before an audience of over 2,000 visitors. Under the direction of their Chief Conductor Claudio Vandelli, the orchestra presented an opera gala that captivated the audience from the very first minute. The program featured works by Giuseppe Verdi, Charles Gounod, Gaetano Donizetti, George Gershwin, and others, offering an impressive musical variety. Soprano Pretty Yende and bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel thrilled with brilliant performances that filled the hall with emotional, cheerful, and, in the second part, reverent pre-Christmas atmosphere—perfectly in keeping with the spirit of Advent.
As a crowning finale, Yende and Terfel sang the traditional Christmas carol “Still, still, still”, creating an unforgettable conclusion to a festive concert. The audience rewarded the performances with prolonged applause and standing ovations.
The Berlin Philharmonie is among the most renowned concert halls in the world. When it opened in 1963, based on plans by Hans Scharoun, its unusual tent-like shape, yellow façade, and revolutionary concert hall architecture—where the stage with the musicians forms the center—sparked controversy. Today, it is considered a trendsetter and, with its outstanding acoustics, serves as a model for concert halls worldwide.
