Berlin Philharmonic Conductor Personally thanks Fans for Braving Rain at Taipei Performance
TAIPEI, Taiwan – Kirill Petrenko, chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, made a rare public appearance following the orchestra’s outdoor performance in Taipei on November 13, 2024, to personally thank Taiwanese music fans for attending despite rainy weather. The orchestra concluded its performance of Brahms‘s Symphony No. 1 to prolonged applause and cheers.
Following the concert, numerous Berlin Philharmonic musicians greeted fans who remained after the downpour. Petrenko, known for his reserved demeanor and avoidance of press conferences, addressed the crowd directly, expressing his gratitude: “You still have to listen to the music despite the rain. That’s why we are here.” He also urged fans to take care of their health and avoid catching colds, adding, “We will definitely meet again soon.”
The event mirrored the success of the Berlin Philharmonic’s first outdoor broadcast in Taiwan in 2005, marking the orchestra’s sixth visit to the island and celebrating a 20-year friendship with Taiwanese music enthusiasts. It concluded a seven-year visit and was hailed as a historic moment for classical music in Taiwan.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wanan, who also attended the performance, noted that the enthusiasm of Taiwanese fans two decades ago inspired the creation of the Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall and reaffirmed Taipei’s welcome for future performances by the orchestra.
