Duisburger Philharmoniker (Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra)

1877 was a special year: Queen Victoria became Empress of India, the Washington Post was published for the first time, and in Parma the Barilla Company was founded which has gone on to become one of the finest producers of pasta. In Duisburg too it was a great year because the Duisburger Philharmoniker, today considered one of Germany's best orchestras, first formed as an orchestra.

After several moves they took up residence in their new home in the new Mercatorhalle in the CityPalais at the start of 2007 and it is here that the symphony concerts are held (twelve a year, each with two performances). Supporting soloists are invited from all over the world, who join them on the stage in some concerts.

Their second home is traditionally Duisburg Theatre's orchestra pit. For more than fifty years there has been a successful cooperation with Düsseldorf Theatre as 'Deutsche Oper am Rhein'. The Duisburger Philharmoniker provide the orchestral accompaniment for all their productions.

In addition, their performance calendar is further enhanced by tours which form the basis of their international reputation. They also perform at the great festivals in the Ruhr district such as the RuhrTriennale or the WDR Music Festival and they made an even greater name for themselves with the population at large with their open air concerts at sports events such as the recent world canoeing championships in 2007.

The Duisburger Philharmoniker are a veritable figurehead for the city and their concerts attract people from far and wide. With the new Mercatorhalle in the CityPalais they now have a home which does their reputation justice. The latest technology and a very special architecture ensure splendid acoustics. Check it out for yourself and come to one of the twelve philharmonic concerts in the 2012/2013 season.