Berliner Philharmonie

One hundred and twenty eight musicians of astonishing talent, under the direction of Brit conductor Sir Simon Rattle's baton, are the heart of classical music in Berlin. Their home is the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, which stands at the edge of the Tiergarten in the very centre of the city. That the building is there at all is a miracle - Berliners fought tooth and nail in opposition to Hans Scharoun's design. Over time it has become one of the emblems of a new and vibrant Berlin, and attracts virtuoso performers from around the world. In truth, it is possible to visit the concert hall from the comfort of your own laptop, via the digital tour section. However, nothing comes close to the quality of the acoustics in the hall that have to be heard in person to be believed.