Berlin Philharmonic forced to perform in the Open-Air
A fire at the home of the Berlin Philharmonic will leave the orchestra homeless at least until June 2, forcing this weekend's hefty program -- Berlioz's Te Deum and its 720 performers -- into an open-air stadium, an orchestra spokesman said on Wednesday.
The fire on Tuesday caused serious damage to a quarter of the tent-shaped roof of the Philharmonie building, but left the acoustically precious interior generally unharmed, said the spokesman, Stefan Stahnke. He said that water was dripping in two spots over the audience section, and the smell of smoke lingered.
“The concert hall is in very good shape," he said. That judgment should comfort performers and classical music lovers who cherish this 1963 hall, a landmark, an architectural gem and a symbol of Berlin culture near Potsdamer Platz. Officials have to check safety systems, and a temporary roof to keep out rain must be installed before concerts can resume, Mr. Stahnke said in a telephone interview from Berlin.
He said severe damage was avoided because firefighters took extra care in dousing the fire, relying heavily on foam.
Claudio Abbado, a former principal conductor of the Philharmonic, was scheduled to lead three performances of the Te Deum, using 600 choristers, as well as Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with Maurizio Pollini as soloist. Instead, they will give one performance on Saturday evening at Waldbhne, an open-air stadium. The orchestra traditionally plays there at the season's end.
