THE ACCOUSTICALLY-PERFECT CONCERT HALL OF THE BERLIN PHILHARMONIC Orchestra burned today (Tuesday).
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AP/Knosowski photo
The acclaimed music hall was opened in 1963 during the Cold War in the western sector of Berlin, Germany. It has always been a favorite for visiting conductors because of its fine accoustics and excellent orchestra.
The fire began around 2 pm local time underneath the roof and appears to be confined to that area. Firefighters were challenged by having to get atop the 160 ft.-high roof and open it up in order to get at the seat of the fire which has been brought under control successfully. However the fire brigade has said that they expect to remain with it through the night.
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AP/Villagran photo
On-scene reports say that it appears that the fire started near a luxury box located close to the roof. A Philharmonic spokesman added that some workmen were doing some welding work in the area, but it has not been confirmed.
Initially there was much excitement about getting the expensive instruments out of the building when the fire first started. It was reported that the stage hands did a magnificent job of getting into the lockers and removing just about all of the instruments. But there is some fear that many of the larger pieces, such as the grand pianos, that couldn’t be removed may have been damaged by the water falling from the roof.
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Interior salvage operations began immediately.
(AP/Villagran photo)
There are about 750 musicians associated with the various orchestras that are housed in the building.
Story collated from reports by: AP, Reuters and Deutsche Welle.
Hat tip to Christian L. for assistance.
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Reuters/Hanschke photo
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