Daniel Barenboim Named Honorary Conductor

To mark his 50th anniversary conducting the orchestra and as an expression of their gratitude for a long association, the Berliner Philharmoniker have named Daniel Barenboim honorary conductor. Daniel Barenboim conducted the Berliner Philharmoniker for the first time on 14 June 1969. He will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his debut this week with the programme from that concert. Since then, including this week’s performances, he has conducted 229 concerts with the orchestra, 49 of which were presented during tours.

Orchestra board member Knut Weber: “Since he made his conducting debut with us, Daniel Barenboim is the guest conductor with whom our orchestra has the closest relationship, and we remember many outstanding concerts with him. Daniel Barenboim has also introduced us to many musical rarities, from works by Elgar to the music of his native Argentina. We have shared unforgettable experiences, such as our spontaneous concert for the fall of the Berlin Wall on 12 November 1989 and our tour to Israel in spring 1990. When we now name Daniel Barenboim our honorary conductor, we are not only honouring a great musician but a wonderful colleague and friend as well.”

Daniel Barenboim became the first honorary member of the Berliner Philharmoniker in 1992 and is also the first artist to be named honorary conductor of the orchestra.