Livestream: 75 Years NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra

»We won’t play this trying programme again until we have an anniversary to celebrate« – this was Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt’s prophecy. On 30 October 1945, the first chief conductor of the North-West German Radio Symphony Orchestra led the orchestra in its inaugural concert in the Laeiszhalle, which had been spared from wartime destruction. 75 years on, his prediction comes true: nearly the same programme can be heard once more at the same location. In the meantime, the ensemble bears the name NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, and conductor Alan Gilbert stands on the rostrum tonight.