The 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic

A dozen cellos together on stage: this unusual sight makes something possible that would hardly work so well with any other instrument. The third-largest member of the string family ascends to high registers and at the same time provides a deep foundation, offers multifaceted timbres and can even serve as a rhythm section when tapped or struck. The programme of this matinee on the 2026 festival’s final day shows how its stylistic use is as diverse as its musical possibilities: A spectrum that ranges from Klengel’s «Hymnus», the ensemble’s founding piece, to French chansons to American jazz and masterfully arranged film music.

Program and cast

Julius Klengel:

"Hymn" for twelve cellos, Op. 57

Jean Françaix:

«Aubade» (excerpts)

Claude Debussy:

"The Sunken Cathedral" (Arrangement: Rudolf Leopold)

Michel Legrand:

"A woman is a woman" (Arrangement: Michael Tsygutki)

Vincent Scotto:

«Sous les ponts de Paris» (Arr. for twelve cellos: Wilhelm Kaiser-Lindemann)

- Pause -

John Sollima:

commissioned work

John Adams:

«Shaker Loops»

Dmitri Schostakowitsch:

Lyrical Waltz (Arrangement: David Riniker)

George Gershwin:

«Clap yo hands» (Arrangement: Michael Zigutkin)

Glenn Miller: 

«Moonlight Serenade» (Arr. for twelve Violoncelli: Wilhelm Kaiser-Lindemann)

Jerry Goldsmith:

«Basic instinct» (Arrangement: David Riniker)

James Horner:

«Titanic» (Arrangement: Wilhelm Kaiser-Lindemann)

Terry Gilkyson (Arrangement: Wilhelm Kaiser-Lindemann):

«The Jungle Book» (Baloo's song) (Arrangement: Wilhelm Kaiser-Lindemann)

Stephan Koncz:

«James Bond»