Deutsche Philharmonie Merck

In the page's words:

THE
ORCHESTRA

The Deutsche Philharmonie Merck is named after the Merck family of pharmacists, who have been active in Darmstadt since 1668. This family, from which Johann Heinrich Merck - the friend and patron of the poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe - also descended, has always been known for its cultural commitment. The Deutsche Philharmonie Merck is particularly committed to this tradition.

Merck supports the Deutsche Philharmonie Merck, which had its beginnings as a works orchestra. As early as 1966, music-loving employees came together to form an "Instrumental Circle at Merck", which over the years expanded into a chamber orchestra, then a chamber philharmonic orchestra and finally, in 2003, into the Deutsche Philharmonie Merck. The former works orchestra became one of the most powerful independent orchestras in the German music scene - "an orchestra on the best way to the top", according to the press.

Up to 100 professional musicians make music in the Deutsche Philharmonie Merck, who come together for specific work phases. The orchestra's repertoire covers all styles from baroque and classical to romantic and contemporary music, as well as crossover projects such as jazz and film music. Recently, the large-scale symphonies of Gustav Mahler and Anton Bruckner have been a focus of the program, as well as works by Korngold, Rott, Vaughan Williams and Elgar. More than 25,000 listeners attend the concerts in Darmstadt and the surrounding area every year. By organizing special projects for children and young people, such as cushion concerts or orchestra workshops, the orchestra aims to get children interested in classical music and give young people their first experience of orchestral music-making.