After eleven years in office: director of the Berlin Philharmonic will step down in 2028

The general renovation of the Philharmonie, which is scheduled for 2032, will also require “a director who is well versed in the subject matter and will support this demanding project in the long term,” she wrote. “The timing I have chosen for a change should contribute to this.”

The Berlin Philharmonic Hall by architect Hans Scharoun needs to be renovated. The orchestra is therefore expected to need temporary accommodation from 2032. Details are not yet known.

Senator for Culture regrets the decision

Zietzschmann took over the directorship of the Berlin Philharmonic Foundation for the 2017/2018 season. The cultural manager also led the orchestra through the pandemic.

Berlin’s Senator for Culture Stefan Evers (CDU) said he noted with great regret Zietzschmann’s wish not to extend the contract. She shaped the foundation with exceptional strategic competence, strengthened international networking and opened the Philharmonic to new audiences.

Chief conductor Kirill Petrenko wrote that from the beginning, Zietzschmann made a relentless effort to remove all obstacles from his path so that he could concentrate on the actual work. With energy, perseverance and constant loyalty, she paved the way that made the shared successes of the last few years possible.