The 12 Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker perform in Shanghai with a cross-genre program spanning classical, jazz, film music, tango, and contemporary works. The ensemble consists of 12 principal cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker, known for their distinctive sound and wide-ranging repertoire.

About the Show

The 12 Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker is a unique chamber ensemble formed in 1972 from the cello section of the Berliner Philharmoniker. Each member is a principal cellist of the orchestra, performing together as a standalone ensemble known for its distinctive blend of seriousness and lightness, depth and playfulness.

The program in Shanghai presents a wide-ranging selection of works across multiple genres, including classical impressionism, jazz standards, film music, tango, and contemporary compositions. The repertoire highlights both original works and specially arranged pieces created for the ensemble.

Program Highlights (Selected Works)

• Villa-Lobos – Bachianas Brasileiras No. 1
• Debussy – Préludes, Livre 1 No. 10 (arr. Rudolf Leopold)
• Youmans – Tea for Two (arr. Michael Zigutkin)
• Nino Rota – La Strada (arr. Wilhelm Kaiser-Lindemann)
• John Barry – James Bond (arr. Stephan Koncz)
• Bernstein – West Side Story
• Ennio Morricone – Once Upon a Time in America
• Wilhelm Kaiser-Lindemann – The 12 in Bossa Nova
• Piazzolla – Milonguita (arr. David Riniker)
• Chinese Folk Song – Jasmine Flower / Horse Racing (arr. Bruno Delepelaire)
• Sebastian Currier – Spark (2014)
• Pasquale Stafano – Milonguita
• Tres minutos con la realidad

(Program is subject to change)

Performers

The 12 Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker

Formed in 1972 following a radio recording of Julius Klengel’s Hymnus, the ensemble brings together 12 cellists from the Berliner Philharmoniker. Each member is an accomplished soloist in their own right.

The group has performed internationally across classical, jazz, tango, and contemporary music genres, and has inspired numerous composers to write works specifically for them, including Sofia Gubaidulina, Arvo Pärt, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Tan Dun.

They have received major recognition including the Echo Klassik Awards (2001, 2005, 2017) and have toured globally as cultural ambassadors of Germany.

Why Go

This performance offers a rare opportunity to hear an ensemble that does not exist in any other orchestra format: 12 principal cellists performing together as a unified group. The program spans multiple musical worlds—from classical masterpieces to film scores and tango—showcasing the versatility of the cello in an ensemble setting.

It is particularly suited for audiences interested in crossover classical programming, orchestral craftsmanship, and large-scale chamber music performed at the highest level.