Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen

The end of a wonderful night at the BBC Proms. I was impressed with the recognition of the skills, firstly with the Artistic Director, Paavo Jaavi, acknowledging the skills of some individual members and then some groups but also when the orchestra paid fitting tribute to him for his leadership and interpretation, as seen here; he bows to acknowledge their applause. I must admit to paying little attention to the orchestra when I booked the seats; I was more interested in the soloist and the music. So I was somewhat surprised to see just how small the orchestra was (I count 44 heads) and since found out that its a chamber orchestra (generally recognised as being under 50 musicians). A full symphony orchestra can be around 80 – 100 musicians on stage depending on the piece being performed.

I’ve seen Beethoven’s 5th performed now probably around 4 or 5 times but I’ve never heard it played better than this orchestra did. A group of music students founded the orchestra in 1980 in Frankfurt, initially as an ensemble which the musicians own solely and without a conductor. The musicians assume responsibility for financial as well as artistic management. The orchestra acquired professional status in 1987, and moved to Bremen in 1992. Many members of the orchestra are still quite young.

Unfortunately, I could only get this view of the orchestra when I stood up; seated I could not see the kettle drums and the surrounding musicians. I did enjoy watching the expressions on the conductor’s face, though, and the exuberance shown by the violinists and other string players.