Jordi Savall conducted the Berliner Philharmoniker in a full-length performance of Christoph Willibald Gluck’s ballet *Don Juan* at the Philharmonie Berlin [1].
The event marked the debut of the Catalan conductor with the prestigious orchestra, highlighting a seasonal shift toward historically informed performances of classic repertoire [2].
The performance took place on Dec. 6, 2025 [1]. Savall, who was 84 years old at the time of the debut [3], led the orchestra through the approximately 90-minute work [4]. The collaboration was part of a broader effort by the orchestra to present works that are both historically significant and intentionally provocative [5].
Critics praised the technical execution of the piece. A reviewer for the *Berliner Zeitung* said that Savall and the Philharmoniker achieved a nearly ideal performance based on classical criteria [6]. The production focused on the precise interpretation of Gluck's composition, adhering to the stylistic demands of the era.
A culture editor for *Der Tagesspiegel* said the appearance was a "fulminant debut" for the veteran conductor [7]. The event served as a centerpiece for the orchestra's current season, which has prioritized the exploration of controversial, and historically rooted, musical works [5].
The Philharmonie Berlin hosted the event as part of its commitment to diversifying the perspectives brought to the podium. By pairing a specialist in early music like Savall with a modern symphonic powerhouse, the orchestra aimed to bridge the gap between academic historical performance and mainstream orchestral excellence [2].
This performance was recorded and made available through the Digital Concert Hall, allowing global audiences to view the collaboration between the 84-year-old maestro and the ensemble [1, 4].
“The 84-year-old Catalan conductor celebrated a fulminant debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker.”
The collaboration between Jordi Savall and the Berliner Philharmoniker signals a growing trend among top-tier modern orchestras to integrate 'historically informed performance' (HIP) practices. By appointing a specialist in early music to lead a traditional symphony orchestra, the Philharmoniker is moving beyond standard interpretations to seek a more authentic, period-accurate sound for 18th-century works.
