NDR Symphony Orchestra changes its name to NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra

The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra will formally open the spectacular new concert hall Elbphilharmonie on 11 January 2017 under the direction of its music director Thomas Hengelbrock. After an eventful history of more than 70 years, from the 2016/17 season the orchestra will have both a new musical home and will serve as the artistic ambassador of this new landmark of the harbour city Hamburg. Therefore, from 16/17 season onwards, to reflect its new status as the Elbphilharmonie’s orchestra in residence, the orchestra will become known as the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra.

The orchestra of the NDR can look back on a glittering history, including its extraordinary foundation story. Founded in July 1945 under British occupation, it gave its first public concert on 1 November 1945. Famous principal conductors such as Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt, Klaus Tennstedt, John Eliot Gardiner, Herbert Blomstedt, Christoph Eschenbach and Christoph von Dohnányi have influenced the sound and the profile of the orchestra. The twenty-year-long intensive collaboration with Günter Wand as well as the Schmidt-Isserstedt era rank among the highlights of its history.

Thomas Hengelbrock has led the orchestra since 2011. He has opened a new chapter in the history of the orchestra through his flexible interpretations and his openness towards all musical genres and types of events.

Succeeding Alan Gilbert, Krzysztof Urbanski, born in 1982, is the current principal guest conductor and contributes to the dynamic and progressive orientation of the ensemble.

Since the 1950s, the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra has won worldwide recognition through many internationally acclaimed CD recordings and intensive touring within Europe, in Asia and in the USA. In April 2016, the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra is launching a unique five-year educational project throughout China, accompanied by further extensive concert tours in Asia. Beyond its concerts, the orchestra can also be heard around the world through not only radio broadcasts but also via the internet by means of video live-streams and presentations on its own Youtube channel.

For pictures please contact: pressefoto@ndr.de