The Berliner Philharmoniker has officially confirmed Icelandic flautist Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson as a permanent member of the orchestra after he successfully completed the customary probationary period for new musicians.
Although the announcement marks an internal milestone rather than a new appointment, it formally secures the position of one of today’s most accomplished orchestral flautists in one of the world’s most prestigious ensembles.
Höskuldsson joined the Berliner Philharmoniker in October 2025 after a distinguished career in the United States. Before moving to Berlin, he served as principal flute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 2015 to 2025, having previously held the same position at the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York between 2007 and 2016.
Despite arriving with nearly two decades of experience in leading orchestras, Höskuldsson said adapting to the Philharmoniker required a different approach.
“I had to adapt to the orchestra’s unique way of communicating and making music,” he said. “I also had to find the right balance between the freedom to play as a soloist, providing musical leadership, and engaging in dialogue with the orchestra.”
The probationary system has long been a defining feature of the Berliner Philharmoniker. New musicians are elected by the orchestra’s members but only become permanent after completing a trial period, during which colleagues assess not only artistic excellence but also musical compatibility and collaborative qualities.
For Höskuldsson, the appointment carries personal significance that dates back to childhood. Growing up in Iceland, he became familiar with the orchestra through recordings his father—owner of a record shop and an admirer of the Berliner Philharmoniker—played at home. Hearing the orchestra perform live for the first time at Carnegie Hall later inspired what became a lifelong ambition.
“It is an honour to be part of this magnificent orchestra and to help carry forward its distinctive sound and musical tradition,” he said. “Another fascinating aspect of the Berlin Philharmonic is that its members play a direct role in shaping every aspect of the organisation, and therefore share responsibility for the orchestra.”
Höskuldsson began studying the recorder at the age of six before switching to the flute. He trained at the Reykjavík School of Music with Bernhard Wilkinson before continuing his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester under Peter Lloyd, while also taking masterclasses with William Bennett.
Alongside his orchestral career, he has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician and regularly teaches at the Pacific Music Festival and in international masterclasses.
Now firmly established in Berlin, Höskuldsson says his artistic journey remains ongoing.
“As musicians, we are always evolving. I think the key to continued growth is to remain open to new ideas and different perspectives on music and music-making. There is never only one way to achieve an artistic goal.”
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