The orchestra was founded as an orchestral society (Orchesterverein) in 1764. The orchestra played at different locations until the Stadttheater was opened in 1904.
The name of the orchestra changed with organisational and functional changes, including Hüttner Kapelle, Städtisches Orchester (Orchestra of the city), Philharmonisches Orchester der Stadt Dortmund, Philharmonisches Orchester Dortmund, until its current name, the Dortmunder Philharmoniker. The concert venue after World War II was the Kleine Westfalenhalle. In 1966, they opened the new opera house Opernhaus Dortmund with a performance of Der Rosenkavalier, conducted by Wilhelm Schüchter. Its hall was also used for symphony concerts until 2002, when the Konzerthaus Dortmund opened as the orchestra's home.
Music
The Dortmunder Philharmiker perform regular concerts[1] and also concerts for young listeners, Familienkonzerte (family concerts) for people from five years up, and Konzerte für junge Leute (concerts for young people).[2]
