Berlin Philharmonic’s Open Rehearsals Inspire Students in Taiwan
Chief Conductor Kirill Petrenko, renowned for his rigorous precision and dedication to rehearsal detail, once remarked: "The education program means a great deal to me. I hope to use music to inspire people from all different backgrounds." To provide Taiwanese music students with a rare opportunity to witness a top-tier orchestra in action, the Berlin Philharmonic held two exclusive Open Rehearsal sessions.
These sessions were made possible through the enthusiastic support of corporate partners. The November 11th rehearsal, supported by E.SUN Bank, Mercedes-Benz Taiwan, and the YongYuan Foundation, welcomed students from 11 universities and 10 high schools across Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taichung, and Tainan, as well as members of the National Southern Youth Orchestra (NSYO). The November 12th session, supported by the TSMC Education and Culture Foundation, primarily hosted university, graduate, and high school music specialists from Hsinchu and Taipei. These students gained firsthand insight into Petrenko’s meticulous rehearsal process, providing a powerful boost to their professional musical journeys.
The First "Side-by-Side Rehearsal" in Taiwan
A historic highlight of this tour was the debut of the "Side-by-Side Rehearsal" in Taipei on November 12th, a format traditionally held at the Berliner Philharmonie. This initiative aimed to pass the Berlin Philharmonic’s world-class performance standards and pedagogical philosophy directly to Taiwan’s next generation of musicians.
Continuing the spirit of the "Music Without Borders" project supported by the TSMC Education and Culture Foundation, youth musicians from the NSYO participated in this landmark event. On the morning of November 12th, nearly 50 young musicians rehearsed Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony. They performed alongside six Berlin Philharmonic members who provided on-stage mentorship, all under the baton of Simon Bernardini—a Berlin Philharmonic violinist and former assistant conductor to Sir Simon Rattle.
Founded in 1882, the Berliner Philharmoniker is widely regarded as one of the world’s most elite orchestral ensembles, celebrated for its virtuosic "orchestra of soloists" and its unique democratic self-governance. The orchestra’s storied history has been shaped by a lineage of legendary Chief Conductors, from the foundational leadership of Hans von Bülow and Arthur Nikisch to the profound artistry of Wilhelm Furtwängler. The 20th century was further defined by the monumental tenure of Herbert von Karajan, followed by the innovative contributions of Claudio Abbado and Sir Simon Rattle, who expanded the orchestra's global reach and modern repertoire.
Today, under the baton of Chief Conductor Kirill Petrenko, the Berlin Philharmonic continues to set the gold standard for symphonic performance. Based in the architecturally iconic Philharmonie Berlin, the ensemble balances deep tradition with forward-thinking digital initiatives, such as the pioneering Digital Concert Hall. Known for its intense, transparent sound and unparalleled emotional depth, the Berlin Philharmonic remains a beacon of cultural excellence, dedicated to bringing the highest level of musical artistry to audiences worldwide.