Stefan Dohr: Soul of the orchestra

Widely regarded as one of the world's finest horn players, Stefan Dohr has been Principal Horn of the Berlin Philharmonic since 1993. In this conversation, Stefan reflects on the remarkable journey that took him from a musical childhood in Essen – where he initially played the viola alongside his brothers – to one of the most coveted positions in the orchestral world. He shares memories of discovering the horn through a Christmas concert, landing his first professional orchestral job at just nineteen, and navigating the pressures of auditions, competitions and life in Germany's demanding opera houses. He offers a glimpse into the unique democratic structure of the Berlin Philharmonic, where all the musicians vote on everything from new members to the appointment of their chief conductor.

Stefan also discusses the changing standards of orchestral playing, the challenges of maintaining world-class technique on one of the most demanding brass instruments, and his passion for expanding the horn repertoire through collaborations with leading contemporary composers. He recalls working with conductors including Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle and Günter Wand, reflects on his experiences with contemporary music ensembles such as Ensemble Modern, and explains why the horn remains, in his view, the "soul of the orchestra." 

This interview was recorded at the 2025 Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville. Stefan returns to the festival in 2026, which takes place in Cairns from 24 July to 1 August.