Orchestra

The orchestra sees itself as a passionate ambassador for Beethoven –
both to the city and to the world.

The Beethoven Orchestra Bonn sees itself as a passionate ambassador for Beethoven’s music – from Bonn out into the world. In December 2025, the orchestra will celebrate its return to the Beethovenhalle, which has been carefully restored as a historic monument and acoustically optimized. This musically and historically significant venue of the former Bonn Republic is intended to connect and inspire people through the power of music. Deeply rooted in the spirit and hearts of Bonn’s citizens – and far beyond the city and region – the orchestra’s presence is of central importance.

The 2025/2026 season offers top-class moments with internationally renowned soloists and conductors such as Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Oksana Lyniv, Chen Reiss, Thomas Dausgaard, and Paul Goodwin. At the same time, the spotlight is also on well-known artists from Bonn and the surrounding region: Pianist Fabian Müller will perform as a soloist at the reopening of the Beethovenhalle, while prominent guests such as Bonn-based actor Matthias Brandt and TV presenter Bettina Böttinger will appear in selected concerts.

With the Hofkapelle series, the orchestra focuses on historical works that the young Ludwig van Beethoven performed during his time in Bonn – a project from which two CDs have already emerged. Additionally, the ensemble places particular emphasis on intercultural projects as well as innovative and participatory formats to make music accessible to a wide audience.

Impressive opera productions and award-winning recordings are hallmarks of the orchestra. Franz Schreker’s opera Irrelohe was staged to great acclaim, and the collaboration with Dirk Kaftan on Beethoven’s Egmont in 2020 was honored with the OPUS KLASSIK award. In 2021, the cross-genre highlight Alles Tutti! was released in collaboration with the Kölsch rock band BRINGS.

Since its founding in 1907, the orchestra has made a lasting impact on the music world. Conductors such as Richard Strauss, Max Reger, Volker Wangenheim, Kurt Masur, and currently Dirk Kaftan have elevated the ensemble to the top tier of German orchestras. Successful concerts and tours around the world further contribute to its outstanding reputation.

Social engagement is also close to the orchestra’s heart – whether through performances in senior, nursing, and children’s homes or by supporting the Bonn vaccination center. Another key focus is the music education program b.jung, which introduces children and young people to the world of music through a wide range of offerings such as workshops and concerts. Bonn’s General Music Director Dirk Kaftan passionately drives this initiative, which excites numerous young participants every year.

In 2021, the orchestra was awarded the European Culture Prize for its innovative direction and participatory concepts – a testament to the creative and unifying power that Beethoven and his music continue to exert today.