Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Halle

Philharmonische Staatsorchester Halle

Company type	Symphony orchestra
Industry	Music, Performing arts
Founded	1946
Defunct	2006
Fate	Merged to establish Staatskapelle Halle
Headquarters	Halle , Germany
Area served	Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
Products	Symphony orchestra performances, Neue Musik premieres

The Philharmonische Staatsorchester Halle was a symphony orchestra located in Halle that operated from 1946 until 2006, with primary financial backing from the Land of Saxony-Anhalt. In 2006, it combined with the to establish the Staatskapelle Halle.

Initially established in 1946 by under the name "Hallisches Sinfonie-Orchester," the ensemble underwent several name changes throughout its existence. Following its 1953 merger with the Robert Franz Singing Academy and the appointment of Hermann Abendroth as honorary conductor, it adopted the title Halle Symphony Orchestra and became one of three State Symphony Orchestras in the GDR by 1954.

The orchestra reached its zenith during the tenure of chief conductor Olaf Koch, who brought the Hallesche Philharmonie to nationwide acclaim throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It was notable for premiering many works of Neue Musik, and from 1979 onward, its affiliated avant-garde ensemble set high artistic benchmarks. The Philharmonie was a frequent recipient of the Handel Prize awarded by the Halle district.

Following the Peaceful Revolution, it was elevated to the status of Staatsorchester under Generalmusikdirektor Heribert Beissel. Distinguished conductors such as Bernhard Klee (1999/2000) and Wolf-Dieter Hauschild (2001–2004) subsequently directed the orchestra. Since 1998, its main performance location has been the Georg-Friedrich-Händel-Halle.

Names

• 1946–1949: Hallisches Sinfonie-Orchester
• 1949–1952: Landes-Volksorchester Sachsen-Anhalt
• 1952–1954: Landes-Sinfonieorchester Sachsen-Anhalt
• 1954–1972: Staatliches Sinfonieorchester Halle
• 1972–1991: Hallesche Philharmonie
• 1991–2006: Philharmonisches Staatsorchester Halle

Arthur Bohnhardt (1946–1949)

After the reopening of the Halle Opera House, there was a need for an additional entertainment orchestra alongside the Orchester des Opernhauses Halle. Arthur Bohnhardt, serving as second Kapellmeister at that time, assembled a string orchestra in April 1946, which made its debut on Good Friday at . By July 1946, it had expanded its reach under various designations, becoming known as the Hallisches Sinfonie-Orchester.

In September 1946, local government bodies officially endorsed the orchestra. Bohnhardt aligned its mission with prevailing political and cultural goals, and it also functioned as the after founding the .

The orchestra’s first major symphony concert took place in January 1948 at . Despite initiatives to increase its profile, it continued to face political challenges. By the end of that year, concert sponsorship was provided by Deutsche Volksbühne. After Bohnhardt resigned in February 1949, Kapellmeister Heinz Hofmann took over leadership on an interim basis. Alfred Hetschko, serving as music advisor to Saxony-Anhalt's Ministry of National Education, proposed renaming it "Landes-Volksorchester Sachsen-Anhalt," which was approved by the Landtag.

Walter Schartner (1949–1950)

In September 1949, Walter Schartner, previously the music director at Stadttheater Halle, assumed the role of principal conductor. After the departure of many musicians, some positions were replenished by personnel from Dresden and the Loh-Orchester Sondershausen. Schartner's programming included a comprehensive seven-part cycle featuring Beethoven's works. When he relocated to Weimar, Heinz Hofmann stepped back in as acting director.

Susanne Baselt highlighted the "direct political influence of party and state" affecting Schartner's replacement. Following consideration of Waldemar Steinhardt and Werner Gößling, the latter was ultimately appointed.

Werner Gößling (1950–1956)

Under chief conductor Werner Gößling, symphony concerts took place at the "Klubhaus der Gewerkschaften". Gößling sought to broaden the orchestra’s reach throughout the state. The programming encompassed not only classical-romantic repertoire but also contemporary compositions. In 1951, he introduced symphonic pieces by Anton Bruckner and launched the series "Ein Orchester stellt sich vorstellen".

With the creation of a third orchestra specializing in light entertainment, the Landes-Volksorchester Sachsen-Anhalt emerged as a prominent cultural ensemble during the 1950s. Starting in 1950, its musicians were governed by the GDR's "Wage and Salary Agreement for Theatre and Cultural Orchestras". Guest conductors such as Hermann Abendroth and Helmut Seidelmann appeared during 1951/52. The orchestra actively engaged in cultural exchanges with Eastern Europe and championed works by Handel.

In 1952, it was renamed Sinfonieorchester, incorporated into the state budget, and received funding to perform concerts across Bezirk Leipzig, Bezirk Magdeburg, and Bezirk Halle. The repertoire further expanded to include modern composers. Distinguished artists like Eva Barth and Hugo Steurer appeared as guest performers. From 1952 onward, the orchestra regularly participated in the Handel Festival Halle and began guest appearances in West Germany starting 1953. After the dissolution of East German Länder, oversight transferred to Halle's regional authorities. Early in the 1950s, it received favorable assessments from cultural institutions, with musicians classified as Class I plus receiving additional bonuses.

Ernst Sachsenberg was appointed first Kapellmeister in 1953. The orchestra maintained close collaboration with both the Musikhochschule and Evangelische Hochschule für Kirchenmusik Halle. During the 1953/54 season, it affiliated with Robert-Franz-Singakademie and achieved elevation to Staatliches Sinfonieorchester status, joining Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach and Mecklenburgische Staatskapelle Schwerin as one of only three state symphony orchestras within the GDR. Hermann Abendroth was honored with an honorary conductor title following guest appearances. Performing Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 became an annual year-end tradition alongside the introduction of Estradenkonzerte. In October 1953, they inaugurated performances at Kulturhaus Haus der Freundschaft in Schkopau.

The 1954/55 season saw musicologist Herbert Koch appointed as the orchestra’s first music dramaturge. Noteworthy Northern European musicians such as Nils-Eric Fougstedt were invited to perform. The subsequent season featured soloists including Brünnhild Friedland, Hugo Steurer, Dieter Zechlin, Egon Morbitzer, Karl Suske, and Mirko Dorner.

Horst Förster (1956–1964)

Horst Förster assumed the role of chief conductor in 1956, with Karl-Ernst Sasse serving as the first Kapellmeister. During this period, several musicians departed to join the Gewandhausorchester and the MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra. The 1956/57 season introduced the "Musica viva" concert series, which showcased international composers such as Darius Milhaud and Dmitry Kabalevsky. Nevertheless, audience turnout at concerts held at the Pädagogische Hochschule Halle-Köthen remained modest. Distinguished guest conductors like Otto Ebel von Sosen and Heinz Bongartz were invited for special performances.

The orchestra celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1956 within the framework of the Hallische Musiktage and took part in the "Hausmusik im Handel House" series. In 1957, it embarked on a tour across West Germany, broadening its audience base. Performances in the late 1950s increasingly featured artists from Eastern Europe, while the "Masterpieces of the Nations" cycle emphasized European musical traditions.

In 1959, Harald Unger was appointed as first Kapellmeister. The orchestra contributed to Halle’s millennial festivities and commemorated its fifteenth anniversary in 1961. A guest performance in Czechoslovakia followed in 1962, which led to a collaboration with the Karlovy Vary symphony orchestra. After Förster’s departure, Gerhart Wiesenhütter and Karl-Ernst Sasse were considered for his replacement.

Karl-Ernst Sasse (1964–1967)

Following Förster’s exit, Karl-Ernst Sasse took over as chief conductor but encountered difficulties with programming choices; successful chamber music projects initiated by Rudi Zücker and Horst Uhlig were discontinued. His efforts to sustain a strong relationship with the Robert Franz Singing Academy were unsuccessful, and the orchestra did not participate in the Handel Festival between 1965 and 1967. Although there was consideration to promote Harald Unger to music director, his contract was not extended; Joachim Seidel was appointed first Kapellmeister in 1967.

Olaf Koch (1967–1990)

Olaf Koch succeeded Sasse as chief conductor in 1967. One year earlier, Hartmut Haenchen had been named choir director at the Singakademie. In 1969, Karl-Heinz Zettl became first Kapellmeister and deputy chief conductor. Under this leadership team, audience engagement improved significantly, leading to an expansion of subscription concerts and a renewed presence at the Handel Festival. Koch placed particular focus on Neue Musik from both the GDR and Soviet Union alongside contemporary musical modernism, performing compositions that challenged prevailing "Socialist Realism" standards. Works by Western composers were also programmed. Starting in 1969, public discussions helped shape concert programming. Subscription concerts expanded to additional locations such as the "Marx-Engels" clubhouse in Zeitz. In 1970, "Workers' Youth Concerts" were introduced; these later evolved into "Youth Symphony Concerts" following reunification, continuing alongside regular student concerts.

In 1972, the State Symphony Orchestra merged with the Robert Franz Singing Academy and , resulting in the formation of the Halle Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert series Konfrontation - Neue Musik im Gespräch was launched by Hans Jürgen Wenzel in 1979, held at the St. Moritz, Halle concert hall and partly at Kulturinsel Halle.

At the close of 1989, orchestra members voted to remove Koch during a meeting at their rehearsal venue on Große Gosenstraße 12. His farewell performance took place at the 1990 Handel Festival. Cultural commentator Gisela Heine observed that despite his complex character, Koch had elevated the Halle Philharmonic to international stature over his 23-year tenure.

Heribert Beissel (1990–1999)

Originally from Hamburg and specializing in Viennese classical repertoire, conductor Heribert Beissel was named General Music Director in 1991. That same year, the Halle Philharmonic underwent reorganization and became the Staatsorchester. Additionally, the Gesellschaft der Freunde der Halleschen Philharmonie e.V. was founded, with governance supported by a board led by Hans-Dietrich Genscher.

Between 1993 and 1997, Beissel received support from first bandmasters Oliver Pohl and Marc Piollet. During the initial period, symphony concerts took place at the until renovations were finalized, supplemented by events at the opera house and Ulrichskirche concert venue. From 1995 through 1998, the Congress and Cultural Centre functioned as a provisional location. In 1998, Beissel officially opened the Great Hall of the Georg-Friedrich-Händel-Halle within the , establishing a permanent residence for the orchestra.

The orchestra’s concert series occurred across several locations: Martin Luther University hosted "Viennese Classical Music," Neues Theater featured "Baroque Music," and concerts of new compositions with Ensemble Konfrontation were held at . The popular symphonic series "Bella Musica" was also maintained. Special events and choral concerts took place in Halle Cathedral and St. Moritz, while chamber music was presented at the Handel House alongside baroque matinées at the . Outdoor performances were staged at Domplatz and in the Handel House courtyard. Under Beissel’s leadership, the ensemble toured internationally, including appearances in Argentina, Spain, and Austria.

Upon Beissel’s exit around 1999/2000, Bernhard Klee took on a permanent guest conductor position in Halle.

Wolf-Dieter Hauschild (2001–2004)

Serving as Chief Conductor from 2001 to 2004, Wolf-Dieter Hauschild sought to integrate contemporary and traditional repertoire, incorporating jazz-infused concerts and performance formats blending genres. His tenure ended prematurely due to concerns over a proposed merger with the Orchester des Opernhauses Halle.

Heribert Esser (2004–2005)

Beginning in 2004, Heribert Esser assumed chief conducting duties and oversaw the orchestra’s transformation into the combined concert and theatre ensemble known as Staatskapelle Halle.

Chief conductors

• 1946–1949: Arthur Bohnhardt
• 1949: Heinz Hofmann – interim
• 1949–1950: Walter Schartner
• 1950: Heinz Hofmann – interim
• 1950–1956: Werner Gößling
• 1956–1964: Horst Förster
• 1964–1967: Karl-Ernst Sasse
• 1967–1990: Olaf Koch
• 1990–1999: Heribert Beissel
• 1999–2000: Bernhard Klee – permanent guest conductor
• 2001–2004: Wolf-Dieter Hauschild
• 2004–2006: Heribert Esser – permanent guest conductor starting from the 2005/06 season
• Hermann Abendroth was honored as honorary conductor in 1953.

Selected world premieres

• Hellmut Riethmüller: Second Symphony (1954)
• Gerhard Wohlgemuth: First Symphony (1955)
• Walter Draeger: Violin Concerto (1956)
• Gerhard Wohlgemuth: Sinfonietta (1957)
• Hans Stieber: Violin Concerto (1957); Barlach Cantata Fries der Lauschenden (1957)
• Percy M. Young: Festive Music Der rote Turm (1961)
• Gerhard Wohlgemuth: Oratorio Jahre der Wandlung (1961)
• Lothar Voigtländer: Symphonic Movement (1969)
• Gerhard Tittel: Choral Symphony Lied vom Menschen (1969)
• Heinz Röttger: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (1969)
• Hans Jürgen Wenzel: Trassen Symphony (1970); Bauhaus – Music for Orchestra (1978); Organ Concerto with Orchestra (1980); Symphony Trauer und Feuer III (1985)
• Gerhard Wohlgemuth: Symphonic Music for Large Orchestra (1971)
• Paul Kurzbach: Cantata Porträt eines Arbeiters (1971)
• Alan Bush: Afrika Symphonic Movement for Piano and Orchestra (1972)
• Fritz Geißler: Symphony No. 8 (1974)
• Karl Ottomar Treibmann: Capriccio 71 for Orchestra (1974)
• Günter Kochan: Viola Concerto (1975); Passacaglia and Hymn for Large Orchestra (1980)
• Wolfgang Hohensee: Oratorio „Die Antwort“ (1975); Variations on Messiah aria Das Volk, das da wandelt im Dunkel (1981)
• : Symphonic Poem An der Wolga (1975)
• Erhard Ragwitz: Sinfonia Intrada (1976)
• Kirill Wolkow: Concerto for Large Orchestra (1976)
• Wolfgang Stendel: Inventionen for Orchestra (1976); Cello Concerto with Orchestra (1981)
• Valery Strukow: Piano Concerto with Orchestra (1979)
• Bert Poulheim: Bassoon Concerto (1979); Third Symphony (1981); Orchestral Work Aufforderung (1984)
• Ruth Zechlin: Briefe for Orchestra (1980)
• Reinhard Kalleske: Orchestral Music Canto ailo humano (1980)
• Hans Wolfgang Sachse: Festliche Intrade for Large Orchestra (1981)
• Gerhard Rosenfeld: Concerto for Orchestra (1982)
• Thomas Reuter: Mundana for Large Orchestra (1982)
• : Concerto for Large Orchestra (1982, revised in 1989)
• Reiner Bredemeyer: Orchestral Pieces II (1985); Third Sonatina for Orchestra (1988)
• Thomas Müller: Spuren for Large Orchestra (1986)
• Frank Petzold: Stieber-Reflexionen for Orchestra (1986)
• Siegfried Geißler: Eighth Symphony with Baritone Voice (1988)
• Stojan Stojantschew: Orchestral Music in Four Movements (1988)
• Leila Ismagilowa: Taktasch Symphony for Soprano and Orchestra (1988)
• Kurt Schwaen: Piano Concerto No. 2 “Vietnamese Concerto” (1989)
• Gerhard Stäbler: "energy-light-dream" featuring soprano soloist, orchestra, ensemble, baritone, and tape (2000)
• Leif Segerstam: Symphony No. 54 Dreaming again … because … (2003)
• Gergely Vajda: Blue box for Orchestra (2003)
• Jean-Christophe Marti: H aspiré (2003)
• Jens Marggraf: Sidera medicea for Orchestra (2005)

Chamber music groups

• Camerata da camera Halle was a Baroque ensemble initiated by Harald Unger, active publicly between 1962 and 1966, with concerts held in locations such as Moritzburg.
• Olaf Koch founded a chamber orchestra in 1973 dedicated primarily to 18th-century repertoire, notably the works of Handel; leadership passed to Karl-Heinz Zettl in 1984. This ensemble conducted tours across Western nations.
• Other formations comprised a string quartet, a wind quintet, and an association for wind chamber music.
• Established in 1979 by Hans Jürgen Wenzel, the "Ensemble Konfrontation" specialized in Neue Musik and took part in events like the Handel Festival and Hallische Musiktage; Thomas Müller assumed direction from 1989 onward.

Honors

• 1960: Awarded the Handel Prize.
• 1969: Secured first place in the initial phase of the DDR Orchestra Competition.
• 1976: Received the Handel Prize from the Halle district.
• 1989: Ensemble Konfrontation earned the Interpretenpreis der MaerzMusik.

Suggested literature

• Susanne Baselt: Chronik des Philharmonischen Staatsorchesters Halle. Volume I: 1946 bis 1964. Published by Philharmonische Staatsorchester Halle, Halle (Saale) 1999.
• Gisela Heine: Das Philharmonische Staatsorchester Halle. Halle (Saale) 1997.
• Gisela Heine: Tradition und Moderne. 50 Jahre Staatsorchester Halle. Featured in das Orchester 1/1997 issue.
• Konstanze Musketa: Musikgeschichte der Stadt Halle: Führer durch die Ausstellung des Händel-Hauses. Händel-Haus, Halle an der Saale 1998, pp. 82f., 86, 107f.
• Gilbert Stöck: Neue Musik in den Bezirken Halle und Magdeburg zur Zeit der DDR. Kompositionen, Politik, Institutionen. Schröder, Leipzig 2008, pp. 247ff.

External links

• Discogs