Be Yourself – Be Music – Be Phil
A passion for classical music: It’s what connects us, the Berliner Philharmoniker, with music-lovers all around the world. That’s why the project Be Phil Orchestra is very close to our hearts. Amateur musicians work together with members of the Berliner Philharmoniker to prepare and play a concert programme.
All interested amateur musicians from Austria and neighbouring countries have a unique opportunity during the Salzburg Easter Festival to perform a concert at the Großes Festspielhaus alongside members of the Berliner Philharmoniker under the direction of Tugan Sokhiev. The programme includes Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante in E-flat major, K. 297b, and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88. Around 100 amateur musicians will be selected for this event. The rehearsal period, culminating in the final concert on 2 April 2026 at the Großes Festspielhaus, will take place in Salzburg from 29 March to 2 April 2026.
Be Phil Orchestra at a glance
Who: Amateur musicians aged 18 and over residing in the following countries: Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Germany, Switzerland, and Slovakia.
When: 29 March – 2 April 2026
How: Applications are submitted via video. From 6 May to 31 July 2025 (6 pm), videos and additional details can be uploaded here. A jury from the Berliner Philharmoniker will select the members of the Be Phil Orchestra from the applications. Successful applicants will be notified from 1 November 2025.
Hosts Wanted!
Would you like to support this project, even if you don’t play an instrument? Then become a Be Phil host and accommodate participants of the Be Phil Orchestra during the rehearsal period.
For more information, please contact Saskia Neudegger at: s.neudegger@osterfestspiele.at
In November 2023, the Be Phil Orchestra went on tour in Japan. A specially-compiled suite from Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet was performed under the baton of chief conductor Kirill Petrenko. The programme also included Johannes Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra, conducted by Raphael Haeger, percussionist with the Philharmoniker. The solo parts were performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker’s 1st concertmaster, Daishin Kashimoto, and the orchestra’s 1st principal cellist, Ludwig Quandt. Rehearsals for both works were lead by Raphael Haeger and other members of the Berliner Philharmoniker. The programme's highlight was a concert conducted by Kirill Petrenko at Suntory Hall on 26 November 2023.
Be Phil Orchestra in Japan
In collaboration with
