At the Berlin Philharmonie

Surely the most anticipated segment of the tour for many of the young musicians was performing at the Berlin Philharmonie, one of the greatest if not the greatest concert hall in the world.  Rightly praised for its absolutely incredible acoustics, both for the musicians and the audience, playing on the stage of the Berlin Philharmonie is for many, the experience of a lifetime.  The YO was ready for the challenge!

The unique pentagonal shape and banana yellow exterior of the Hans Scharoun designed Berlin Philharmonie, built in 1963 and home of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.  

The Orchestra arrives, very excited for their first rehearsal.

Every camera is out as musicians take photos from every angle to document they were indeed here and this really isn't a dream from which they would be rudely awoken at any moment.

Stage crew Dennis Devost does the honors for the cellos.

The YO in rehearsal at the Philharmonie.  The "vineyard" style seating was unique at the time and has since inspired many other modern concert halls.

The youngest member of the YO, Alex Goldberg with Donato, both making their debuts in the hall (you'll see more of Alex's debut later !)

The YO rehearses Mahler 1 in Berlin.  Many musicians are amazed at the acoustics and talk with each other about the things they hear.  Principal Viola Omar is overheard telling a news reporter that musicians can hear each other better than they have ever heard before in this hall, and that they now hear things in the music, be it Mahler 1 or John Adams' Shaker Loops that they didn't know were there.   For the audience, each instrument and each section can be heard with such clarity and such and definition, from every seat in the hall It's an eye (and ear) opening experience and the excitement level builds.

And if they weren't yet excited enough to be here, the rehearsal was briefly stopped at noon for a few words from a special surprise guest:  US Ambassador to Germany, Phillip Murphy.

Ambassador Murphy explained to the YO that due to his busy diplomatic schedule around the 4th of July, he wouldn't be able to make the concert, but he wanted to make it a point to personally welcome the musicians of the Orchestra and he had a message for them.  He spoke eloquently and passionately about the importance of music and the arts telling them:  "what you are doing here is what I do every day:  and that is represent the United States of America.  And you are not just representing your country, you represent the very best about your country, all that is good about America.  So when you take the stage, you are America's Ambassadors.  So go out there and give 'em heck."  Yes, Sir ! If the YO wasn't fired up already, this speech certainly got them there.

Local television was on hand for the rehearsal. The excitement level was building.

Ambassador Murphy backstage with Mastro Cabrera and Mrs. Maestro, Niloufar Talebi

Another special guest making an appearance in Berlin is Alasdair Neale, former Music Director of the SFSYO.  Alasdair is Music Director of the Marin Symphony and has recently been back to lead the SFSYO in several rehearsals stepping in for Donato.  

Here's a sneak peak into their rehearsal for Mahler's Symphony No. 1

The YO is rehearsed and ready to go.  It is concert time.  One last round of photos at the backstage entrance.  

In the lobby, the audience arrives.  Making the trip from San Francisco are several board members from the SF Symphony including Claire Barnes and Catherine Holmes, who flank SFS Executive Director Brent Assink.

And now to the concert.  The YO definitely brought it's A-game.  With incredible energy, focus and passion, the YO gives a performance for the ages.  In John Adams' Shaker Loops (1978), one of his earliest works that have become contemporary classics, the strings gets a serious star turn, playing the minimalist work with an energy, clarity and subtlety that leaves the Berlin audiences erupting in thunderous cheers.  Next up the Grieg Piano Concerto with Lars Vogt again providing the solo.  A breathtakingly beautiful performance and the YO again is the perfect accompanist. After the break, Mahler 1.  In Berlin.  Wow.   Many listeners were stunned by the ability of a Youth Orchestra to not just tackle such a profoundly difficult work, but to play it with such passion and fervor.  The crowd erupted in cheers.  San Francisco audiences may remember Joshua Kosman's glowing review of Mahler 1 here  but I dare say that tonight's performance was on another level.  Let's see if the Berlin music critics agree, the big three Berlin newspapers were all here tonight (Berliner Zeitung, Tagesspiegel, Morgenpost) and the Berlin Philharmonic's PR Director was impressed, overheard saying "Wow, we don't even get that all the time."  In the end, the YO followed the orders of Ambassador Murphy to the tee.  They represented the best their country has to offer.  And gave 'em heck.  For the musicians on stage, an experience of a lifetime.  Whether they go on to become professional musicians or doctors or lawyers or teachers, they'll never forget the night they rocked the Berlin Phil !

Well wishes backstage  (l-r)  SFS General Manager John Kieser, SFS Executive Director Brent Assink, Donato and Niloufar, and SFS Director of Artistic Planning John Mangum

Smiles all around and more photos to document this very special night.

After the concert a special reception in honor of their appearance in Berlin, hosted by members of the Youth Orchestra Committee of the SFS Board of Governors, (l-r) Catherine Holmes, George Lucas, and Clair Barnes.

A well deserved round of Apple juice.  Now, I'm not sure if 16 year olds have a bucket list, but if they do, they can certainly cross one item off the list after tonight:  play Mahler to a rousing ovation in the Berlin Philharmonic?   Done. Check.   Bravo YO.  What a night.