Each year on May 1, the Berliner Philharmoniker celebrates its founding anniversary with a concert of remarkable artistic and cultural significance. Known as the Europakonzert, this annual tradition not only honors the orchestra’s beginnings in 1882 but also celebrates Europe’s rich cultural heritage through performances in historically and architecturally significant venues across the continent.

For 2025, the orchestra traveled to the stunning Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari, Italy — the fourth-largest theatre in the country and a true gem of Italian opera architecture. With its gilded balconies, plush red seating, and ornate ceiling, the venue offered a majestic setting for this year’s German-Italian musical program.

At the helm was Maestro Riccardo Muti, one of the world’s most respected conductors and a long-time friend of the Berliner Philharmoniker. Having previously led the Europakonzert in Naples in 2009, his return was met with great anticipation.

The program opened with Gioacchino Rossini’s William Tell Overture, followed by Giuseppe Verdi’s rarely heard ballet music Le Quattro Stagioni from I vespri siciliani — a lush, theatrical suite of seasonal dances. The second half of the concert featured Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 73, a sunlit work beloved by audiences and musicians alike.

But for flute enthusiasts around the world, one name stood out: Paolo Taballione, the celebrated principal flutist of the Bayerische Staatsoper, who performed with the Berliner Philharmoniker in this special event. Known for his refined tone, expressive phrasing, and brilliant technique, Taballione brought lyrical sensitivity and virtuosic sparkle to the flute solos throughout the evening — particularly in Verdi’s Quattro Stagioni, where the flute evokes the vivid moods of changing seasons.

The concert, broadcast to over 80 countries, was also rich in symbolism. It commemorated 80 years since the end of World War II, underscoring the orchestra’s role as a cultural ambassador for unity and peace.

In a post-concert reception, Dr. Hans-Dieter Lucas, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Italy, remarked:

“The European Concert of the Berliner Philharmoniker is also, this year, 80 years after the end of World War II, an important confession to what Jacques Delors once called the soul of Europe — to what binds and should keep us together.”

Also in attendance was Sarah Wedl-Wilson, Berlin’s Secretary of State for Culture, who represented the State of Berlin — a major supporter of the orchestra.

Riccardo Muti, addressing the full house, emphasized the deeper meaning of this musical gathering:

“This concert is not only a tribute to the city of Bari and the region of Puglia, but a vital symbol of what Europe can and should be — a spiritual and cultural communion. The presence of the Berliner Philharmoniker here in Bari sends a powerful message.”

The performance marked the orchestra’s first-ever Europakonzert in Bari, drawing attention not only for its musical excellence but also for its cultural diplomacy — and for flutists, Paolo Taballione’s contribution was nothing short of inspiring.

About Paolo Taballione
A prizewinner of numerous international competitions, Paolo Taballione has established himself as one of the leading flutists of his generation. In addition to his orchestral work, he enjoys a vibrant solo and chamber music career and is a frequent guest at major festivals. His appearance with the Berliner Philharmoniker in this high-profile event adds another distinguished chapter to his career.

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