Alexander Von Puttkamer

Playing with the Berliner Philharmoniker is certainly something very special for any musician. The first time it happened to me, I felt a slight nervousness which then turned into great joy and pride. The tuba is not a solo instrument, but together with the double basses, it forms the basis of the orchestra.

In fact, Alexander von Puttkamer wanted to learn the trumpet, but there was no room for it at the local music school. A family friend, an aspiring tuba player, offered him a small tuba. Alexander von Puttkamer immediately felt at home with the instrument, and never let go. He took his first steps in various youth orchestras, including the Bundesjugendorchester (German National Youth Orchestra), the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie and the European Union Youth Orchestra.

After completing his studies with Walter Hilgers at Hamburg's Hochschule für Musik und Theater, he joined the Hamburg NDR Symphony Orchestra in 1996. Further steps led him to the Berliner Philharmoniker, including the Bavarian State Opera Orchestra (1998-2004) and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (2004-2007) in Munich. Alexander von Puttkamer, also a regular member of the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra since 1999, plays golf, is interested in wine and art, and enjoys visiting museums, as long as his two young daughters allow him the time...