Berlin Philharmonic takes up residency in Shanghai

At the most fragile moment in China’s relations with the rest of the world, Germany’s premier ensemble has planted its size-tens in Shanghai. Chancellor Merkel, meanwhile, is pushing through a questionable EU-China trade deal.

Who said music is above politics?

Press release: Together with Wu Promotion, the Berliner Philharmoniker is planning a residency project in Shanghai at two-year intervals, beginning in June 2022. The performances in June 2022 are part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and China.

Under the baton of chief conductor Kirill Petrenko, the orchestra will give four concerts during this first residency as part of a “Festival of the Berliner Philharmoniker”. Chamber music activities are also planned, as well as master classes, concert introductions and other outreach and community projects. In the course of this longer residency, the orchestra attaches great importance to a direct exchange with the musical and social life in Shanghai and encounters with local conditions.