The 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic

About this event

Twelve cellos on stage make for a surprisingly versatile ensemble. Since 1972, the cello section of the Berlin Philharmonic has not only played classical repertoire from Mendelssohn to Verdi, but also tango, jazz, Beatles arrangements and film music. Their Frankfurt Christmas concert mixes works by Jean Françaix, Julius Klengel and familiar seasonal favourites into a programme that balances seriousness with a healthy dose of humour. The evening also includes Klengel’s “Hymnus”, the piece that gave the original impulse to form the ensemble – an evening that pulls the cello out of its cliché corner and creates sweeping musical arcs on twelve times four strings. The 12 cellists live up to the reputation of their parent orchestra without being bound by its sound. Instead, they produce a warm, dense cello texture that swings between symphonic gravity and light‑hearted playfulness. In the festive setting of the Alte Oper, the concert is a chance to begin the Advent season with unusual timbres.