Berlin Concerts, Opera, And Dance

Berlin reaches its musical zenith in September during the fabulous Berliner Festwochen, which draws the world’s best orchestras and soloists. The Berliner Jazztage in November, featuring top jazz musicians, also brings in the crowds. For tickets (which sell out months in advance) and more information for both festivals, call or write to Berliner Festspiele (☎030 25 48 90; www.berlinerfestspiele.de). In mid-July, the Bachtage feature an intense week of classical music, while every Saturday night in August the Sommer Festspiele turns the Ku’damm into a concert hall with genres from punk to folk competing for attention.

The monthly pamphlets Konzerte und Theater in Berlin und Brandenburg (free) and Berlin Programm (€1.75) list concerts, as do the biweekly Zitty and Tip. Tickets for the Philharmonie and the Oper are nearly impossible to get without writing months in advance, except by standing outside before performances with a small sign saying “Suche Karte” (seeking ticket)—people often try to unload tickets at the last moment, usually at outrageous prices.

Berliner Philharmonisches Orchester, Herbert-von-Karajan-Str. 1 (☎030 25 48 89 99; www.berlin-philharmonic.com). S1, S2, or S25 or U2 to “Potsdamer Pl.” and walk up Potsdamer Str. It may look bizarre, but this yellow building, designed by Scharoun in 1963, is acoustically perfect: every audience member hears the music exactly as it is meant to sound. The Berliner Philharmoniker, led by the eminent Sir Simon Rattle, is one of the world’s finest orchestras. It is difficult to get a seat; check 1hr. before concert time or write at least 8 weeks in advance. Closed late-June to early-Sept. Box office open M-F 3-6pm, Sa-Su 11am-2pm. Tickets start at €7 for standing room, €13 for seats.
Konzerthaus (Schauspielhaus am Gendarmenmarkt), Gendarmenmarkt 2 (☎030 203 09 21 01; www.konzerthaus.de). U2 or U6 to “Stadtmitte.” The opulent home of Berlin’s symphony orchestra. Last-minute tickets are somewhat easier to come by. No performances mid-July to Aug. Box office open M-Sa noon-7pm, Su noon-4pm. Open in July M-Sa noon-6pm, closed Su.
Deutsche Oper Berlin, Bismarckstr. 35 (tickets ☎030 34 38 43 43; www.deutscheoperberlin.de). U2 to “Deutsche Oper.” Berlin’s best and youngest opera. Box office open M-Sa 11am until 1hr. before performance (11am-7pm on days without performances), Su 10am-2pm. Evening tickets available 1hr. before performances. Closed July-Aug. Tickets €12-118. 25% student discounts.
Deutsche Staatsoper, Unter den Linden 7 (☎030 20 35 45 55; www.staatsoper-berlin.de). U6 to “Französische Str.” or bus #100, 157, or 348 to “Deutsche Staatsoper.” Eastern Berlin’s leading opera company. Box office open M-F 11am-7pm, Sa-Su 2-7pm, and 1hr. before performances. Closed mid-July to Aug. Tickets €5-160; students €12, if purchased 30min. before shows and ½price on cheaper seats for certain performances.
Komische Oper, Unter den Linden 41 (☎030 47 99 74 00; www.komische-oper-berlin.de). U6 to “Französische Str.,” or S1, S2, S25 to “Unter den Linden.” Started by zany director Walter Felsenstein and now under the direction of Andreas Homoki, the 112-year-old opera is known for fresh versions of classics. Box office open M-Sa 11am-7pm, Su 1-4pm. Tickets €8-93. 25% student discounts always available 1hr. before curtain.