Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra

What Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra does

The Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin (RSB), legally embedded in Rundfunk-Orchester und -Chöre (gemeinnützige) GmbH Berlin (roc berlin), is a German public radio symphony orchestra founded in 1923 that celebrated its centennial in the 2023/2024 season under the 'RSB100' banner. It is led by Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Vladimir Jurowski (appointed 2017, contract running through 2029) and operates under co-directors Anselm Rose and Carola Reul. The orchestra's shareholders are Deutschlandradio, the Federal Republic of Germany, the State of Berlin, and Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (rbb), making it a publicly funded non-profit gGmbH rather than a market-revenue enterprise. Core products include a full symphony concert season, chamber music programming at four unusual Berlin venues (Kühlhaus Berlin, Theater im Delphi, Ballhaus Wedding, silent green Kulturquartier), the Jazzik jazz-classical crossover series, Erzählkonzerte storytelling concerts with rbb, family and school concerts including the JUNGE OHREN PREIS-winning Rapauke program for ages 3-6, and the Orchestra Academy awarding 13 scholarships to musicians under 26. The Deutsche Streicherphilharmonie, Germany's youngest selection orchestra (ages 11-20), serves as the partner youth ensemble.

The RSB's technology footprint is modest and integration-driven rather than proprietary: ticketing is delivered through shop.rsb-online.de powered by CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA (operating as a GDPR Art. 28 data processor), concerts are broadcast via rbb radio and streamed on ARD-Mediathek, and the orchestra publishes a podcast ('Muss es sein?'), digital program booklets, and a season brochure. There is no mobile app, no API, and no disclosed AI/ML capability. The business model combines four streams: public funding from the four public-sector shareholders (the dominant revenue source), ticket sales and subscriptions (Abonnements 2026/27 plus targeted packages such as the Chamber Concert Package at €108 for six concerts and the Jazzik concert at €30), CD/streaming sales including the Brahms Symphony No. 2 recording, and ancillary revenue from moderated rehearsals (€8) and education programs. Pricing spans from €8 moderated rehearsals through €17 student tickets to €68 PG1 symphony seats across six price categories, indicating a tiered access strategy that supports both accessibility and premium positioning.

Name

Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra

Legal name

Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin in der Rundfunk-Orchester und -Chöre (gemeinnützige) GmbH Berlin

Website

https://rsb-online.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1923

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin is a publicly funded German radio symphony orchestra founded in 1923, led by Chief Conductor Vladimir Jurowski, that delivers symphony concerts, chamber music, jazz-crossover, and educational programs to Berlin audiences and international tour venues under the roc berlin non-profit structure.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Symphony Orchestra Performances

NAICS

Performing Arts Companies (7111), Musical Groups and Artists (711130), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Live Music Clubs & Venues (MPAGAIAB), Public/Community Local Stations (PBS Member Stations, Community Radio, LPFM) (MPABACAG)

Keywords

• Symphony orchestra performances
• Classical concert productions
• Music education programs
• Concert subscription series
• Live orchestral music

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Concert Ticket Sales: Revenue from individual concert tickets and subscription packages sold through the web shop and box office
2. Season Subscriptions: Annual subscription packages (Abonnements 2026/27) offering discounted access to multiple concerts
3. Concert Packages: Specialized packages like Jazzik (jazz-classical fusion) and Chamber Concert packages at reduced bundled prices
4. CD and Streaming Sales: Recordings including Brahms Symphony No. 2 available via ARD-Mediathek and physical/digital CD sales
5. Public Funding: The orchestra is part of Rundfunk-Orchester und Chöre GmbH Berlin (roc berlin), sponsored by Deutschlandradio, Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Land Berlin, and Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin (RSB) is a Berlin-based radio symphony orchestra that performs and produces live classical music concerts, including symphony concerts, chamber music, opera concerts, and innovative cross-genre programs (Jazzik jazz-classical fusion, Erzählkonzerte storytelling concerts). It sells tickets, subscriptions, and bundled concert packages through its own web shop (powered by EVENTIM) and a physical box office, performs at major Berlin venues (Philharmonie Berlin, Konzerthaus Berlin, Haus des Rundfunks) and on international tours, and broadcasts performances via rbb radio and ARD-Mediathek.

Product overview

The Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin (RSB) is a classical music symphony orchestra offering a diverse portfolio of live concert experiences. The core offering consists of symphony concerts, chamber music, and specialty programs (Jazzik, storytelling concerts) distributed through an online ticketing platform powered by EVENTIM. Supplementary offerings include music education programs for families, schools, and children (Rapauke series), the Orchestra Academy for emerging musicians, and digital content including podcasts. The RSB's concert venues span prestigious Berlin locations (Philharmonie, Konzerthaus, Haus des Rundfunks) as well as alternative spaces for chamber concerts (Ballhaus Wedding, silent green, Theater im Delphi, Kühlhaus Berlin).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Jazzik: A concert series bringing together artists from jazz and classical music, fusing classical composition structures with jazz improvisation and rhythm.
• Erzählkonzerte (Storytelling Concerts)
• Kammermusik (Chamber Music)
• Orchesterakademie (Orchestra Academy)

Products and services

• RSB Symphony Concert Series Ticketed symphony concerts featuring the full RSB orchestra with world-class conductors and soloists, performed at Berlin's premier venues for classical music audiences.
• Abonnements 2026/27 (Season Subscriptions) Subscription packages that give subscribers discounted access to a curated set of RSB symphony concerts across the 2026/27 season.
• Konzertpakete 2026/27 (Concert Packages) Bundled ticket packages such as the Jazzik Paket (3 jazz-classical fusion concerts) and Kammerkonzerte-Paket (6 chamber concerts) offered at special reduced rates.
• Jazzik Concert Series Cross-genre concert series fusing jazz improvisation and classical orchestral music, performed at alternative Berlin venues such as Ballhaus Wedding, targeting audiences seeking innovative genre-blending programming.
• Erzählkonzerte (Storytelling Concerts) Concert series where a narrator performs alongside the RSB orchestra, weaving literary readings with live symphonic music to create a storytelling experience for audiences.
• Kammermusik (Chamber Music Series) Small-scale chamber music concerts performed by RSB members at four alternative Berlin venues, offering intimate classical music experiences distinct from main-stage symphony programs.
• Familienkonzerte (Family Concerts) Ticketed family-oriented concerts including school concerts and collaborative performances with the Kinderchor der Staatsoper Unter den Linden, designed to introduce families to orchestral music.
• Rapauke Concert Series Concert series for children ages 3-6 delivering early-childhood music education through engaging performances in partnership with the KinderKünsteZentrum Berlin, winner of the 2017 JUNGE OHREN PREIS.
• Moderierte Proben (Moderated Rehearsals) Ticketed open rehearsal sessions at €8 admission (free for symphony concert ticket holders) where audiences observe and learn from RSB rehearsals led by renowned conductors.
• Orchesterakademie (Orchestra Academy) Two-year scholarship-based training program for string players under 26, providing 13 annual scholarships for emerging orchestral musicians to gain professional experience alongside RSB members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 60 concerts annually across Berlin venues and international tours
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Rundfunkchor BerlincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 September 2026The RSB collaborates extensively with Rundfunkchor Berlin, one of the world's leading choirs with approximately 60 concerts annually and three Grammy Awards. Joint performances include Rachmaninoff's 'Die Glocken' at Musikfest Berlin and Mozart's Requiem. Both are ensembles under the Rundfunk-Orchester und Chöre GmbH Berlin (roc berlin).
• radioeins and radio3 (rbb)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026The RSB Erzählkonzerte (storytelling concerts) series is presented in cooperation with radioeins and radio3, the cultural radio stations of rbb (Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg). This partnership combines literature with live orchestral music, reaching radio audiences and enhancing cross-promotion.
• CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026CTS EVENTIM provides the web shop infrastructure (shop.rsb-online.de) for online ticket sales, serving as the primary ticket distribution platform for all RSB concerts. They are the external service provider for ticket processing as data processor under GDPR Art. 28.
• Musikfest Berlin / Berliner FestspielecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026RSB performs the season opening concert at Musikfest Berlin, one of Germany's most prestigious classical music festivals organized by Berliner Festspiele.
• Kulturamt OttobeurenminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Local cultural authority partnering for RSB's touring concert at Ottobeuren Abbey basilica, featuring Bruckner's Symphony No. 8.
• Varna Summer International Music FestivalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026International festival hosting RSB on tour with violinist Julia Fischer performing Beethoven and Brahms.
• Konzert Theater CoesfeldminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026German concert theater venue hosting RSB on tour performing works by Sylwestrow, Sibelius, and Tchaikovsky.
• Sophie-Scholl-SchuleminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025RSB has established a school patenschaft (school mentorship) 'Eine Saison mit Klasse' with the Sophie-Scholl-Schule, bringing music education directly into schools.
• Staatsoper Unter den Linden (Children's Choir)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaborative performances with the Kinderchor der Staatsoper Unter den Linden Berlin for family concerts including 'Vladimir Jurowski & Lucas und Arthur Jussen' Christmas program.
• KinderKünsteZentrum BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership for Rapauke early childhood music education concerts for children aged 3-6. The KinderKünsteZentrum provides exhibition space that inspires concert themes such as 'Beneath the ground' exploring caves and tunnels.
• Deutsche StreicherphilharmoniecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013The Deutsche Streicherphilharmonie (DSP) is the partner youth orchestra of RSB, with members aged 11-20 receiving intensive instruction from RSB musicians. Since 2013 under artistic direction of Wolfgang Hentrich. RSB members once played in Germany's youngest selection orchestra themselves, continuing a 50-year tradition. Awarded Würth Prize in 2023.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Konzerthausorchester Berlin: Resident orchestra of Konzerthaus Berlin, the other principal Berlin symphony stage. Directly comparable on repertoire, subscription model, education programs, and Berlin audience overlap; serves as one of RSB's three core venue partners.
• NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester: German public radio symphony orchestra of comparable scale and mission. Operates under another ARD member (NDR) with the same funding structure, similar concert output, and parallel music education mandate.
• Bayerisches Staatsorchester: Munich opera and concert orchestra where Jurowski serves concurrently as GMD. Comparable on size, public funding, and concert volume; provides RSB a natural institutional link through its music director.
• Berliner Philharmoniker: Berlin's flagship symphony orchestra. Most direct peer: both perform at the Philharmonie Berlin, compete for the same Berlin subscriber pool, draw on overlapping soloists, and operate with public/mixed funding models. RSB explicitly differentiates itself from this institution in positioning.
• Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin: Berlin radio symphony orchestra also housed under roc berlin governance context. Shares the same public-broadcaster funding model, similar radio-broadcast integration, comparable concert volume, and overlapping classical/jazz programming ambitions.
• WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln: Another German ARD radio symphony orchestra with comparable size and programming breadth. Strong analog on the integration of broadcasting, subscription ticketing, and education outreach.
• Wiener Symphoniker: Austrian public-funded symphony orchestra of comparable standing. Aligns with RSB on repertoire depth, international touring, and the challenge of operating in a city with multiple competing ensembles.

Regional players

• Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich: Mid-sized European public radio/symphony orchestra with similar concert cadence, chamber programming, and education mandate. Operates in a comparable German-speaking cultural market but does not directly compete in Berlin.

Broad incumbents

• London Philharmonic Orchestra: British symphony orchestra previously led by Jurowski for fifteen years. Comparable on international touring footprint, recording output, and subscription scale; provides benchmark via Jurowski's prior tenure.
• Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden: Long-established German symphony orchestra with a similar subscription-and-touring operating model. Comparable on institutional scale and the role of music director as artistic anchor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/rsb_online
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCz1wWc6YlGc46IrNqPZN5Jw
• Facebookfacebook.com/rsbOrchester
• Instagraminstagram.com/rsb_online
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rundfunk-sinfonieorchester-berlin

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra