
In terms of music, our capital city has a lot to offer, that’s for sure. And although we are primarily known for our techno, Berlin can also be very different. Classical music also has a rich history here and is deeply rooted in the city’s cultural development. Berlin has played a central role in the European musical landscape since the 18th century and continues to be a global center for classical music today with its many orchestras, choirs and venues.
From the iconic Berlin Philharmonie to the Staatskapelle, considered one of the oldest and leading orchestras in the world, to the magnificent Konzerthaus Berlin, the city offers numerous legendary locations for enjoying classical concerts. And even in 2025, there are already some highlights on the agenda that you shouldn’t miss! Here are 14 classical concerts in Berlin that you can look forward to:
Classical music highlights in the coming months
1st Vienna Johann Strauss Concert Gala
The popular Vienna Johann Strauss Concert Gala has been performed regularly in various European cities since 1996 and will return to our capital in 2025. The concert will be conducted by the renowned K&K Philharmonic Orchestra and will present various works from the Strauss dynasty, including waltzes, polkas and operetta melodies. The musical performances will also be accompanied by ballet dancers, providing a visually stunning addition.
When: January 29, 2025
Where: Konzerthaus Berlin
2 André Rieu
The popular violin virtuoso from the Netherlands is considered an exceptional talent and has made a name for himself worldwide. With his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, he performs in large concert halls and arenas all over the world and will also be giving a concert in Berlin at the end of January as part of his tour. The repertoire includes various pieces from romantic ballads to famous waltzes and promises an unforgettable evening in a festive atmosphere.
When: January 30, 2025
Where: Uber Arena
3rd Konzerthausorchester Berlin with Sheku Kanneh-Mason
Under the direction of Joana Mallwitz, British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason will perform several concerts as a soloist with the Konzerthausorchester Berlin in the Great Hall from January 31 to February 2. The program includes Dmitri Shostakovich’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 1 in E flat major, as well as Sofia Gubaidulina’s Fairy Tale Poem and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor. The talented cellist in combination with Mallwitz as one of the leading conductors of her generation offer the best conditions for a dreamlike show!
When: January 31 to February 2, 2025
Where: Konzerthaus Berlin
4th Mischa Maisky & Martha Argerich
Attention chamber music fans! An extraordinary concert with two of the most outstanding musicians of their time awaits you at the beginning of February. Mischa Maisky and Martha Argerich will be appearing at the Philharmonie Berlin to celebrate their 50th anniversary on stage and will delight audiences with spectacular performances on the cello and piano. The two artists are regarded as a true dream duo and are known for their unique musical symbiosis and magical stage presence. The program includes three masterpieces by Beethoven, Schubert and Grieg.
When: February 2, 2025
Where: Philharmonie Berlin
5th Candlelight: Romantic classics
Fancy a little romance? For all fans of classical music who don’t have any plans for Valentine’s Day yet, this candlelight concert offers the ultimate experience. In the impressive rooms of the French Cathedral in Berlin, timeless romantic classics will be presented to you in a spectacular candlelight setting. Look forward to Debussy’s enchanting Clair De Lune, the rousing Fantasy Overture from Romeo and Juliet and many other emotional pieces that will make the celebration of love unforgettable for you.
When: February 13, 2025
Where: French Cathedral
6th Robertson & Shaham with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
The renowned violinist Gil Shaham will be giving a concert with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin at the Philharmonie Berlin at the beginning of March under the baton of conductor David Robertson. Shaham is best known for his impeccable technique and his warm, expressive style. On this evening, you can look forward to three masterpieces: Lili Boulanger’s impressionistic D’un matin de printemps, Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s sonorous Violin Concerto in D major, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s last composition, the powerful Symphonic Dances.
When: March 2, 2025
Where: Philharmonie Berlin
7th Grigory Sokolov – Piano recital
Few people can prove that the piano is a truly beautiful instrument as well as he can: the Russian pianist Grigory Sokolov is an absolutely exceptional talent on the keys and is known for the technical brilliance and poetic depth that he brings to his playing. At the beginning of May, he will perform a solo recital in the Great Hall of the Philharmonie Berlin with works by William Byrd and Johannes Brahms. Look forward to pieces such as John come kiss me now, Fantasia and Brahms Four Ballads op. 10 and enjoy a very special musical experience!
When: May 2, 2025
Where: Philharmonie Berlin
8th Vladimir Jurowski & Yunchan Lim with the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin
A concert by the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin will also take place at the Philharmonie Berlin on May 18 under the direction of Vladimir Jurowski. The soloist will be the just 20-year-old Yunchan Lim, who is regarded as one of the most promising young pianists of his generation and has already demonstrated incredible talent. The program includes Beethoven’s powerful Egmont Overture, as well as other legendary works by Chopin and Brahms.
When: May 18, 2025
Where: Philharmonie Berlin
9th Camerata Salzburg with Hélène Grimaud
Piano fans will definitely get their money’s worth this May! On May 19, the Philharmonie Berlin will be visited by another star pianist, Hélène Grimaud. She will be performing with the Camerata Salzburg Orchestra and has prepared two masterpieces of classical music for you. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor, an emotionally intense and dramatic work, and Johannes Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor op. 15.
When: May 19, 2025
Where: Philharmonie Berlin
10th Honeck & Rana with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
And the last date in May also includes our beloved keyboard instrument and an outstanding pianist as soloist! This concert features the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin under the baton of renowned conductor Manfred Honeck and the talented Beatrice Rana at the piano. The concert will open with heliosis, a contemporary work inspired by the intense heat of Death Valley. It will then continue with masterpieces by Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich – a festive evening full of good music is guaranteed!
When: May 24, 2025
Where: Philharmonie Berlin
11th Hotel Europa – RIAS Chamber Choir Berlin
Does the name Arnulf Herrmann ring a bell? If not, you definitely need to catch up, because he is currently considered one of the most innovative composers in Germany and has now written the composition Hotel Europa especially for the RIAS Kammerchor Berlin, which will be officially premiered at the Philharmonie on June 4. The piece is based on poems by four European authors and deals with themes such as identity and cultural diversity. It stands out for its combination of traditional music with modern choral composition and emphasizes the universal language of music.
When: June 4, 2025
Where: Philharmonie Berlin
12th season closing concert of the Berliner Philharmoniker
The Berliner Philharmoniker know how to end a season properly! Traditionally, this is done here with a very special open-air event in front of around 20,000 listeners on the unique Waldbühne stage. This year’s concert is themed “Latin American Night” and presents a varied program of Latin American sounds under the direction of renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel from Venezuela. Another highlight: the energetic dances from Leonard Bernstein’s musical West Side Story!
When: June 28, 2025
Where: Waldbühne Berlin
13th Music Festival Berlin
The penultimate item on our list belongs to Musikfest Berlin, which traditionally marks the start of the new Berlin classical music season and presents a wide selection of different concerts. Advance ticket sales for eight international guest orchestras from France, Italy and the Netherlands have already begun, but the full program will not be published until April. This year’s focus is on the two composers Luciano Berio and Pierre Boulez, among others, as both would have celebrated their 100th birthdays in 2025.
When: August 30 – September 23
Where: Various venues
14th Candlelight Concerts
One last noteworthy mention at the end: the candlelight concerts in Berlin are not just for Valentine’s Day, but all year round! The sparkling candlelight concerts take place in various unique venues within Berlin, such as the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche, the Meistersaal or the Apostel-Paulus Kirche, and offer you a wide selection of different genres in a classical interpretation. For example, you can look forward to Queen meets ABBA, Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” or a wonderful homage to Ludovico Einaudi in a unique atmosphere.
When: All year round
Where: Various venues