Kolner Philharmonie
Kolner Philharmonie
4.5
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Altstadt-Nord
How to get there
- Koln Central Station • 5 min walk
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4.5
558 reviews
Excellent
400
Very good
130
Average
22
Poor
4
Terrible
2
MrsPiket
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3,962 contributions
Oct 2021
The Kölner Philharmonie opened in 1986 and is located close to the main railway station. The nice concert hall holds plus 2,000 seats. The audience can enjoy a tastefully designed large hall and an adequate entry & lounge.
The Kölner audience left a mixed impression. The majority is of 65 plus age. All Covid-19 regulations are meticulously followed. Getting a drink in the entr’acte appeared to be time consuming. We waited long in single service queue.
We came for the WDR Sinfonieorchester under Jörg Widmann performing Widmann’s ‘Armonica’ and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and Symphony 41. The Armonica and Mozart’s Adagio were performed by soloist Christa Schön-Feldinger on glass harmonica.
Widmann’s ‘Armonica’ appeared to be terrible music. In Mozart’s Adagio Schön-Feldinger was interesting. Widmann is a gifted clarinettist and Mozart Clarinet Concerto was impressive.
The performance of Mozart’s ‘Jupiter’ Symphony 41 was poor. A good clarinettist does not imply a good conductor. Widmann made the WDR Sinfonieorchester perform so loud that it became painful. All Mozart’s finesse disappeared.
Widmann will be a better conductor for a Blaskapelle performing in a football stadium.
The Kölner audience left a mixed impression. The majority is of 65 plus age. All Covid-19 regulations are meticulously followed. Getting a drink in the entr’acte appeared to be time consuming. We waited long in single service queue.
We came for the WDR Sinfonieorchester under Jörg Widmann performing Widmann’s ‘Armonica’ and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and Symphony 41. The Armonica and Mozart’s Adagio were performed by soloist Christa Schön-Feldinger on glass harmonica.
Widmann’s ‘Armonica’ appeared to be terrible music. In Mozart’s Adagio Schön-Feldinger was interesting. Widmann is a gifted clarinettist and Mozart Clarinet Concerto was impressive.
The performance of Mozart’s ‘Jupiter’ Symphony 41 was poor. A good clarinettist does not imply a good conductor. Widmann made the WDR Sinfonieorchester perform so loud that it became painful. All Mozart’s finesse disappeared.
Widmann will be a better conductor for a Blaskapelle performing in a football stadium.
Written 10 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen F
Ellicott City, MD224 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Our tour guide let on that you could get to the Philharmonic before noon, and attend a rehearsal for free. Well, we were not the only ones who knew this - the fabulous concert hall was full, the rehearsal was fantastic, and what a treat to hear music and take a break from tourist shops and cathedrals!
Written 29 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irene H
Hersham, UK115 contributions
Nov 2012 • Family
Every Thursday there are free lunch time concerts. The hall is all blond wood, a lovely place to visit.
Written 6 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CJ R
Alabama74 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
If you line up early, you can join about 1500 other people for a short, free concert by the Philharmonic. What was so great is that it is a chance to meet other locals from the area and take a break from "tourist attractions".
We arrived about 45 minutes early and found great seats (first come, first chance to grab a seat - with 2000 seats you should usually be able to find space). The conductor was wonderful, the instruments sounded great, and they launched into the performance. About 10 minutes in the conductor stopped them, explained to the audience (in German, but even if you don't speak it fluently you can get the gist) what he wanted done differently, the instrument practiced a bit, then the whole group continued on with the performance.
So it was an insider look at how the symphony rehearses and prepares for their shows. We had a really great time (and the chance to feel more like a local) - and the location is so close to all of the cafes on the river that you can pop out for a nice lunch down the hill.
We arrived about 45 minutes early and found great seats (first come, first chance to grab a seat - with 2000 seats you should usually be able to find space). The conductor was wonderful, the instruments sounded great, and they launched into the performance. About 10 minutes in the conductor stopped them, explained to the audience (in German, but even if you don't speak it fluently you can get the gist) what he wanted done differently, the instrument practiced a bit, then the whole group continued on with the performance.
So it was an insider look at how the symphony rehearses and prepares for their shows. We had a really great time (and the chance to feel more like a local) - and the location is so close to all of the cafes on the river that you can pop out for a nice lunch down the hill.
Written 9 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yshadia
Seoul, South Korea70 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
The quality is amazeing and the auditorium has speachless it was a sold out concert and the audience was really nice .It's a good experience.
Written 5 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayaway54
London, UK17 contributions
June 2013
Every Thursday, there's a free lunchtime concert in this fantastic space. Get there 30 mins early (at noon) and queue to take your pick of 2000+ seats. The quality of the music is excellent, the auditorium has fantastic acoustics and the audience is so appreciative. It's like sitting in the centre of a giant spacecraft- quite magical! What a way to rest your weary legs after a morning of sightseeing. Alternatively, buy a ticket and treat yourself to a full evening performance.
Written 2 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie949
Wellington, New Zealand62 contributions
Sept 2016 • Solo
This should be WAY higher on the list of things to do in Köln! I went to a free lunch time session at 12.30 today (Thursday). No need to book, just turn up. The doors open at noon. There is a coat/bag check. Beautiful venue. A chilled way to listen to some gorgeous music.
Written 22 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
highflyer1968
Cologne, Germany150 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
One of the best concert halls in Germany, maybe in Europe. A superb program should give you a chance listen to an extraordinary orchestra in a perfect setting. If you are a few days in Cologne take the chance to buy a ticket and enjoy the excellent acoustic with best view from all seats. If a concert is sold out, don´t worry. 2 hours before the concerts starts (usually at 8pm, box office open at 6pm) you can catch one of the 100 (general admission, no seat) tickets at the box office at the entrance of the concert hall. These tickets are only sold there and only for the same night. If you are lucky enough you will find a free seat inside….
Written 13 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Musicalphotoman
Dublin, Ireland76 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
This is one of the most beautiful modern halls. Lovely wood and gorgeous detail. Everything is comfortable, and the place is a joy from the moment one enters to the easy exits. The acoustic is reasonable but not perfect. There are some late reflections which can make certain ensembles sound a bit brash.
The oddest feature is the ceiling, which is under a popular area beside the Museum Ludwig. If people walk in this area during a concert the audience in the Philharmonie hear it, so security guards spend their time warding people off the roof. I suppose one wouldn't expect the architects to anticipate this!
The oddest feature is the ceiling, which is under a popular area beside the Museum Ludwig. If people walk in this area during a concert the audience in the Philharmonie hear it, so security guards spend their time warding people off the roof. I suppose one wouldn't expect the architects to anticipate this!
Written 13 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
boncescu
Timisoara, Romania7 contributions
July 2013 • Friends
It;s quite plain in day light..but if you decide to go by at sun set ...you are taken by this contrast between old and new that strikes you al over this city.
Written 6 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Como comprar ingresso para o concerto de 22/9 sabado as 20h na Kolner Philharmonie
Written 18 September 2018
hi
still offering these free concerts?
Written 25 August 2018
Hi, yes they do. Usually Thursdays at noon. But only upon availability. Search for:
konzerte umsonst kölner philharmonie
Or Philharmonie Lunch
System here doesn‘t allow links. Enjoy!
Cheers
Written 31 August 2018
I will be in Cologne for 2nights from April 20th to 22nd. Any events on those dates?
Written 15 April 2018
pens914
Cape Town Central, South Africa
We are a large group visiting Cologne from the evening of 29 April and leave late afternoon on 30 April. Are there any concerts that we could attend and if not, can one just visit the concert during the day?
Written 5 March 2017
pens914
Cape Town Central, South Africa
Sorry we want to know is we can visit the concert hall during 30 April 2017
Written 5 March 2017
Hi could you please let me know if there are any oprahs in the month October or November in Philarmonie
Thanks
Devina
Written 4 October 2016
Wenn have an extra Opera house, look under Oper Koeln.
Written 4 October 2016
Hi I was wondering do they have a dress code for their shows or is it just casuals although I don't have problems with both but just want to know?
Written 4 September 2016
Well it depends on the occasion. Business casual will always suffice. If there's a blues or world music show maybe even more casual, however it is a more sophisticated venue you decide if you want to be seen as cretin or s.o. who knows their way around the culture and the world.
Hope this helps and wishing an fantastic time!
Reguards W
Written 6 September 2016
I'm looking for concerts or shows in the Philharmonie. During the 2015 Christmas / New Year time frame. A schedule of all events would be helpful.
Written 13 December 2015
Как можно из России забронировать балет в кёльнской филармонии? Можно ли увидеть афишу концертов на апрель, май 2105 года?
Written 20 March 2015
A Tripadvisor member
Moscow, Russia
1 contribution
Здравствуйте! Конечно, можно. Здесь запрещены ссылки, так что просто наберите kölner philharmonie в гугле - и будет ссылка на их сайт. Можно выбрать немецкий язык или английский. там есть календарик, жмете на нем дату - смотрите, что будет в этот день. нажимаете ссылку "book online" - и покупаете билет в интернете с помощью кредитки
Written 20 March 2015
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