Founded during UMS’s third season in 1882, the Berlin Philharmonic has long been considered one of the world’s finest orchestras. Hans von Bülow catapulted the orchestra into one of the leading orchestras in Germany in the late 19th century, and lengthy tenures by Arthur Nikisch, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Sergiu Celibidache, and Herbert von Karajan further cemented their stature. The ensemble’s most recent UMS appearance, in 2001 was under Claudio Abbado’s leadership; a year later, the musicians voted Sir Simon Rattle as their new music director after a 15-year collaboration. Born in Liverpool, Rattle has conducted many of the world’s great orchestras and served an 18-year tenure as head of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in England. In addition to his duties in Berlin, he regularly guest conducts the Vienna Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and other celebrated ensembles. Rattle makes his UMS debut with this appearance, which features Brahms’ final two symphonies as well as film music composed by Schoenberg. This exclusive tour will include only three U.S. cities — New York, Chicago, and Ann Arbor.

Presented by the University Musical Society, www.ums.org.

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