The Berlin Philharmonic has appointed Brett Dean as its Composer in Residence for the 2026/27 season [1].

This appointment marks a significant return for Dean, who previously served as a member of the orchestra. His return to the institution as a featured composer highlights the ensemble's commitment to expanding the expressive possibilities of orchestral instruments.

Dean's tenure as a performer with the Berlin Philharmonic lasted 14 years [2]. He left the orchestra in 1999 [3]. Now returning in a leadership capacity, he is tasked with presenting inventive works that combine intricate construction with a bold sense of color [1].

The residency for the 2026/27 season [1] will focus on works that extend the technical and sonic capabilities of the orchestra. By integrating complex structural elements with vivid orchestration, Dean aims to push the boundaries of the traditional orchestral palette.

This collaboration brings Dean back to the city of Berlin, where his previous experience as a musician informs his current approach to composition. The residency will allow the orchestra to showcase new compositions designed specifically for the ensemble's unique capabilities.

“Brett Dean has been appointed Composer in Residence for the 2026/27 season.”

The appointment of Brett Dean represents a full-circle moment for the composer, transitioning from a long-term orchestral musician to a primary creative voice for the same institution. By focusing on 'inventive works' and 'bold colour,' the Berlin Philharmonic is signaling a strategic interest in contemporary music that challenges the technical limits of the orchestra while maintaining a high degree of structural complexity.