The 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic have long been a prominent institution in international musical life. It was in 1972 that a radio production of Julius Klengel’s Hymnus for twelve cellos with Philharmonic members became the impetus for founding a solo ensemble of this formation. Its exceptional tonal and virtuosic qualities soon took worldwide concert audiences by storm, and now the 12 Cellists enjoy a remarkable international following. Whether they’re playing the classics, jazz, tango or avant-garde, listeners are invariably fascinated by the wide range of unique and intoxicating timbres that these twelve cellos can produce, and their mixture of seriousness and humour, of depth and lightness, appeals to audiences of all ages. Among the contemporary composers who have written works specially for the “12” are Boris Blacher, Sebastian Currier, Brett Dean, Tan Dun, Péter Eötvös, Jean Françaix, Sofia Gubaildulina, Christian Jost, Wilhelm Kaiser-Lindemann, Arvo Pärt, Wolfgang Rihm, Kaija Saariaho, Frangis Ali-Sade, Pēteris Vasks, Iannis Xenakis und Udo Zimmermann. They have accompanied the German president as ambassadors of Berlin. Their CDs regularly make the charts and in 2001, 2005 and 2017 were awarded the "Echo Klassik" prize.

They are unique. Naturally, every symphony orchestra has its cello section. But nowhere else in the world have the deeper, larger strings joined together to form an independent ensemble - an orchestra within an orchestra - meeting with success after success. That is why every music lover knows immediately where the "12 Cellists" come from, even if they cannot name their orchestra. They are an institution.

They have played together since 1972, appearing as an ensemble, occasionally in Berlin, often elsewhere, and quite often traveling great distances.

The group's personnel has changed over the years; founders have entered retirement, and younger colleagues have also moved on. Continuity and renewal have formed a productive alliance in the history of the 12 Cellists - as you can hear for yourselves.