Berliner Symphoniker

The Berliner Symphoniker emerged from the 1966 merger of two privately supported West Berlin orchestras. Concert activity began in 1967 as the Symphonisches Orchester Berlin under Carl August Bünte. The ensemble developed international touring alongside a strong commitment to family and school concerts. Theodore Bloomfield and Alun Francis were among its subsequent principal conductors; Francis also broadened the programme through projects combining classical music with jazz and popular genres. The name Berliner Symphoniker was adopted for the 1992–93 season. After public funding was withdrawn in 2004, the organisation was restructured, with audiences and overseas tours helping sustain its work. Lior Shambadal’s principal conductorship, from 1997 to 2019, encompassed extensive international activity.