Andreas Ottensamer has announced his decision to leave his position as principal clarinettist of the Berlin Philharmonic. In a message shared on his Instagram account, he explained that he is stepping down to dedicate himself to his activities as a conductor.
Ottensamer, who joined the Berlin Philharmonic in 2011, described his 14 years with the orchestra as “an experience of a lifetime, full of musical highlights” and expressed gratitude for how the ensemble’s distinctive musicianship has shaped his musical DNA. While conducting will now take centre stage in his career, he assured fans that the clarinet will remain part of his musical life as a chamber musician and soloist.
About Andreas Ottensamer
Andreas Ottensamer was the principal clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic from 2011. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras worldwide and has appeared at prominent festivals and concert halls.
In addition to his work as a clarinetist, Ottensamer began his conducting career in 2021, receiving the Neeme Järvi Prize at the Gstaad Festival Conducting Academy. He has collaborated with Riccardo Muti at the Italian Opera Academy, assisted Sir Simon Rattle with the BR Sinfonieorchester, and worked with Christian Thielemann on a production of Wagner’s Lohengrin at the Vienna State Opera.
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