About the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra
Founded in 1893, the Munich Philharmonic is one of Germany’s leading orchestras and a cornerstone of Munich’s cultural life. For more than 130 years, the Orchestra has combined artistic excellence with a strong sense of tradition while continually embracing new artistic perspectives and audiences.
The Munich Philharmonic has long been associated with the great Austro-German symphonic tradition, particularly the music of Anton Bruckner and Gustav Mahler. Throughout its history, the Orchestra has been shaped by distinguished conductors including Felix Weingartner, Rudolf Kempe, Sergiu Celibidache, Christian Thielemann and Valery Gergiev. Since the 2023/24 season, Lahav Shani has served as Chief Conductor, leading the Orchestra into a new artistic chapter.
As the resident orchestra of the Isarphilharmonie, the Munich Philharmonic presents a broad concert programme ranging from the core symphonic repertoire to contemporary works and innovative cross-disciplinary projects. The Orchestra regularly collaborates with many of the world’s most acclaimed conductors, soloists and composers, while also supporting emerging artists and championing new music through commissions and first performances.
International touring forms an important part of the Orchestra’s artistic identity. The Munich Philharmonic appears regularly at major concert halls and festivals across Europe, Asia and beyond, bringing its distinctive sound and musical heritage to audiences around the world. In addition, its recordings and digital projects continue to expand the Orchestra’s reach far beyond the concert hall.
Education and participation are central to the Munich Philharmonic’s mission. Through a wide range of concerts, workshops and creative projects for children, young people, families and community groups, the Orchestra seeks to inspire curiosity, foster musical engagement and make classical music accessible to diverse audiences. These activities reflect the Orchestra’s commitment to serving the city of Munich while building meaningful connections across generations.
Combining a rich artistic legacy with a forward-looking vision, the Munich Philharmonic continues to shape the cultural landscape of its home city and to strengthen its position among the world’s leading orchestras.