Stéphane Denève conducts John Williams in Berlin, June 5-7 2025

[Jurassic Shark 14,944]

Great prank!

[Davis 3,949]

1 hour ago, wickerman said:

John Williams had hoped to conduct the Berliner Philharmoniker himself, personally guiding the Berlin audience through the cosmos of his work. Unfortunately, he has been obliged to withdraw from the performance for health reasons. Stéphane Denève, his close friend and musical associate and Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, will conduct in his place.

 

https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/en/concert/calendar/55652/

So it’s officially over.

[Bespin Copilot 9,582]

What a scam! I hope those who can will be able to cancel without fees.

[ricsim88 314]

I really hope nobody is surprised by this.

 

One time, quite a while ago, I had tickets to go see Williams conduct the Boston pops at symphony hall. Unfortunately he canceled for health reasons, the concert went ahead with someone else.

I think it was 2015. I called them and they refunded me. 
 

[BB-8 4,958]

 

But great to see that the show is going on.

 

I'll be there.

[Bespin Copilot 9,582]

The fatalist and realist in me wants to warn you that one of these concerts, planned too far in advance and now without John Williams, will inevitably turn into a memorial evening sooner or later.

[GerateWohl 5,918]

Maybe Williams read the aggressive discussion in this thread and decided then to cancel his appearance. 

 

Anyway, whoever still decides to come to the concert, we can have a nice JWFan after show meeting in a pub.

[MaxTheHouseelf 348]

This is indeed sad but expected given his recent appearance in LA. Health should always be the priority. Nevertheless, I’m really looking forward to these concerts, especially also to hearing Sayuris Theme and Stargazers live for the first time.

[BenjaminFr 22]

10 minutes ago, BB-8 said:

 

But great to see that the show is going on.

 

I'll be there.

Mr. Williams won’t be there, which is a shame… but it will still be a great opportunity to listen to his work performed by a wonderful orchestra. Let’s still come in large numbers to honor his work and hope for his recovery. See you very soon in Berlin!

[Davis 3,949]

I guess if you bought the concert and plane tickets and booked the hotel room, you kinda have to go. 

[BB-8 4,958]

Just being picky about the accuracy of the translation here...

 

It is with great regret that due to a health issue from which he is still recovering, John Williams will be unable to travel to Berlin to participate in the concerts in June. 

 

Mit sehr großem Bedauern muss John Williams, aus akuten gesundheitlichen Gründen und um die weitere Genesung nicht zu gefährden, die Reise nach Berlin für die geplanten Konzerte im Juni absagen. 

 

Absage John Williams

 

Just in: John Williams cancels Berlin Phil with 'a health issue' - Slippedisc

[JohnnyD 1,527]

"With great regret, John Williams, for acute health reasons and in order not to endanger the further recovery, must cancel the trip to Berlin for the planned concerts in June."

 

Honestly, his health and recovery come first and foremost. He continues to be in my prayers.

[BB-8 4,958]

Oh dear, the carnage has begun. Many tickets for all dates are showing up... sad really.

[Pawel P. 820]

Very sad, on the other hand such a trip could have been harmful to his health. Of course I feel especially sorry for those for whom this was the first and perhaps only chance to see Williams live.

 

I didn't buy a ticket myself, although a few days ago a few appeared again for sale, but I intend to watch the live broadcast on Saturday. It will certainly be a beautiful celebration of the Maestro's music.

[Thor 9,308]

A total bummer for those who bought tickets and had looked forward to seeing the man "in the flesh", but also totally expected given the circumstances. The same thing happened to me in London in 2018, so I can very much sympathize (as can many others here). I think most of the people who bought tickets knew -- or at least should have known -- that it was a risk going in.

 

On the bright side -- you're now all free to have a WILD WEEKEND in Berlin! It's a great city, once you get to know it.

[micah 13]

Sad but not surprised. Have never seen him conduct before and unsure if I ever will now. What's most important is that he recovers though. Hoping he gets better soon.

[Foxfan 186]

Awww that's why a few more tickets popped up today.

 

Well, we certainly can't blame Maestro Williams for health issues at 93.

 

At least the concert is still planned, and should some wish to cancel, the fact that quite a few tickets popped up today means the Berlin Phil is likely accepting refunds on a case-by-case basis, despite "official" T&C.

 

Those who may want to make a Film Musik weekend out of it, there's also a James Bond-themed concert at the Gewandhaus in nearby Leipzig that Friday, which I'm going to before going to Berlin for the Saturday night Williams-themed concert.

 

 

[BB-8 4,958]

So DG eventually got things right...

[JensHS 9]

I just contacted them and it is not possible to give the tickets back. Just selling it to friends or other people is allowed because the concert still takes place.

[Davis 3,949]

Let's hope the programme will not change to "Stéphane Denève conducts the music of Hans Zimmer". 

[BB-8 4,958]

Or even worse, Zimmer conducts Zimmer...

[bollemanneke 3,999]

Well, it had to happen. I'm looking forward to what will undoubtedly be a spectacular evening (and more shelf content, DG willing). Glad I didn't postpone my trip to Ireland for the expensive tickets. Hoping that Williams will be able to do everything he wants to do in the US and that he is as comfortable as can be. He's given us enough.

[Quintus 5,679]

You'd have to be nuts to book tickets for JW from now on.

[Davis 3,949]

Every day is a gift to John Williams. If he can stay relatively healthy physically and completely healthy mentally, take walks - even with a cane or a wheelchair -, spend time with his friends and family, go out for lunches and dinners, and most importantly, compose music either at home or in his office at Amblin, I think it's more than anyone can wish for him. I think his conducting days are over, especially abroad. Maybe half a show at the Hollywood Bowl or in San Diego and San Francisco. He has absolutely nothing to prove anymore. Risking his health by traveling long distance is unnecessary and dangerous at his age. 

[Foxfan 186]

18 minutes ago, Quintus said:

You'd have to be nuts to book tickets for JW from now on.

 

Well, I booked Film Night at Tanglewood and he's not even listed as conductor. Just curator.

 

Because I figure if he gets better, he'll make a surprise appearance like in LA, or, if he takes a turn for the worst (I would be absolutely gutted), it could turn into a memorial concert with the beloved BSO which Maestro Williams has collaborated with for the past 45 years.

41 minutes ago, BB-8 said:

Or even worse, Zimmer conducts Zimmer...

(With amplification).

[Mr. Hooper 5,021]

2 hours ago, BB-8 said:

So DG eventually got things right...

Yes, I was looking forward to calling it "A Berlin Concert." 


It should go without saying that Williams' health comes first...

 

And well, I don't regret taking a chance on this and hoping against hope, but am now glad I paid extra for refundable plane fare.

 

Now I have ample time to decide if I'll go anyway, or if I'll go full prima donna on the BPO ticket office to get a refund. 

 

 

 

[zoltan_902 162]

Some things just don't add up here. He pulled out of Vienna months before the concert, but only a few days prior to Miami, to which he sent a video message in which he appeared barely coherent. His appearance in LA, albeit in a wheelchair, might have been to inflate hope of a recovery, in order to sell tickets for Berlin that conveniently went on sale only a few days after said LA appearance.

Either he himself, or his management are in denial about his recovery prospects, or they're unscrupulous enough to exploit public hope for the sake of selling some expensive, non-refundable tickets.

From a consumer perspective, his management needs to be more honest about his condition. The bait-and-switch tactics, especially as a repeated pattern, are verging on the unethical.

[Naboo79 14]

Well that sucks. I'm surprised the event organizers haven't contacted ticket buyers to inform them of this change. I guess quietly updating their website and not offering refunds is the way they are going about it.

[Marian Schedenig 10,123]

16 minutes ago, zoltan_902 said:

Some things just don't add up here. He pulled out of Vienna months before the concert, but only a few days prior to Miami,

 

The Vienna concert was much earlier. Presumably, when he pulled out, he was expecting to definitely not be sufficiently recovered (much less than now) by then. Obviously he was hoping that the extra time until Berlin would be enough for him to be ready for it. And I would assume that he's likely in better shape now than he was when he cancelled Vienna, and probably also compared to December (when Vienna would have taken place).

 

16 minutes ago, zoltan_902 said:

to which he sent a video message in which he appeared barely coherent.

 

He was perfectly coherent.

 

16 minutes ago, zoltan_902 said:

His appearance in LA, albeit in a wheelchair, might have been to inflate hope of a recovery, in order to sell tickets for Berlin that conveniently went on sale only a few days after said LA appearance.

 

If you're insinuating that Williams showed up in LA for the sole purpose to make people think he's healthier than they thought, so he can sell them tickets to a concert he knew he wouldn't be able to make, I'm not sure you're in a position to talk about ethics.

[Thor 9,308]

18 minutes ago, zoltan_902 said:

Some things just don't add up here. He pulled out of Vienna months before the concert, but only a few days prior to Miami, to which he sent a video message in which he appeared barely coherent. His appearance in LA, albeit in a wheelchair, might have been to inflate hope of a recovery, in order to sell tickets for Berlin that conveniently went on sale only a few days after said LA appearance.

Either he himself, or his management are in denial about his recovery prospects, or they're unscrupulous enough to exploit public hope for the sake of selling some expensive, non-refundable tickets.

From a consumer perspective, his management needs to be more honest about his condition. The bait-and-switch tactics, especially as a repeated pattern, are verging on the unethical.

 

I don't think there's any big conspiracy going on. Just the Berlin Phil holding out as long as they could, until a confirmation of his decline came in.

 

I can sympathize with the frustration in not getting constant updates on his medical condition, but it's in line with Williams' privacy concerns.

[Mr. Hooper 5,021]

25 minutes ago, zoltan_902 said:

Some things just don't add up here. He pulled out of Vienna months before the concert, but only a few days prior to Miami, to which he sent a video message in which he appeared barely coherent. His appearance in LA, albeit in a wheelchair, might have been to inflate hope of a recovery, in order to sell tickets for Berlin that conveniently went on sale only a few days after said LA appearance.

Either he himself, or his management are in denial about his recovery prospects, or they're unscrupulous enough to exploit public hope for the sake of selling some expensive, non-refundable tickets.

From a consumer perspective, his management needs to be more honest about his condition. The bait-and-switch tactics, especially as a repeated pattern, are verging on the unethical.

 

Well, without pointing any fingers, I do think that this could've been handled better...

 

It would've been more prudent for Williams' management to cancel all appearances until he was fully recovered, instead of taking a wait-and-see approach.

 

EDIT: Yes, I guess I'm pointing my finger at Williams' management. lol

[BB-8 4,958]

I mean for us guys checking all-things-JW every other minute, this cancellation didn't come as a big surprise. But I feel sorry for all those not aware of JW apparent health decline and who may still be thinking that he/she is going to see him live (for the first time).

[ciarlese 275]

2 hours ago, JensHS said:

I just contacted them and it is not possible to give the tickets back. Just selling it to friends or other people is allowed because the concert still takes place.

Well that can't be right. 

They sold tickets for John Williams conducting the concert and it isn't happening. 

I appreciate the concert is still planned but it's not the same thing.

RAH offered full refund cancellation, or partial refund to those still attending, when John Williams couldn't attend the concert in London a few years ago.

 

[Mr. Hooper 5,021]

I think the BPO has a problem on their hands, and that many complaints are forthcoming.

[crocodile 9,168]

Well, that is a shame. But, as I said before, it was to be expected. No need to endanger health on my account. I am still going to Berlin for the weekend and will enjoy the music as is, as well as some other attractions in the city. And seeing some old friends too.

 

Hope Johnny makes a full recovery. 🙏

 

Karol

[BB-8 4,958]

[bollemanneke 3,999]

I do think it's a bit strange that we've been hearing the word 'recovery' for, how long now? Obviously I'm not suggesting that the public needs medical details, that's absolutely a private matter. But the longer this word gets thrown around, the more ridiculous it becomes as events unfold.

[MaxCGN 14]

Iam sad, i got tickets and never seen him live before :/ I dont get why the BPO didnt clarify it at the beginning of selling

[Davis 3,949]

37 minutes ago, bollemanneke said:

I do think it's a bit strange that we've been hearing the word 'recovery' for, how long now? Obviously I'm not suggesting that the public needs medical details, that's absolutely a private matter. But the longer this word gets thrown around, the more ridiculous it becomes as events unfold.

Well it’s best we accept that he may never fully recover. 

[Mr. Hooper 5,021]

When Vienna was cancelled last year it was said that he was looking forward to rescheduling his appearance, but that was apparently an overly optimistic appraisal of the situation.

 

15 minutes ago, MaxCGN said:

Iam sad, i got tickets and never seen him live before :/ I dont get why the BPO didnt clarify it at the beginning of selling

I think your only chance now is if he shows up at an event in L.A.

 

I don't think he'll be going further than his own backyard for the foreseeable future. Not even to Tanglewood.

[BB-8 4,958]

JW is probably the last person to give up hope, and in my imagination he lives by the principle:

 

35 minutes ago, Mr. Hooper said:

I don't think he'll be going further than his own backyard for the foreseeable future. Not even to Tanglewood.

Hm, Tanglewood is JW's kinda second home, and his piano concerto premiering is something different than selected film themes played for the fifth time in continental Europe.

[JensHS 9]

Official email:

 

most important not to jeopardize his recovery by traveling to Berlin. We fully understand that this cancellation is a disappointment for you. Nevertheless, we kindly ask for your understanding of John Williams’ decision, which was not made lightly. We hope that you will still enjoy a wonderful evening with the music of John Williams at the Philharmonie. His good friend and long-time associate, Maestro Stéphane Denève, has kindly agreed to conduct the programme, which was curated by John Williams and will remain unchanged. Denève has worked closely with John Williams for many years and, among other things, conducted the gala concert for his 90th birthday. We are confident that he will bring John Williams’ works to life in the spirit the composer intended. As a small token of appreciation, you will receive a one-month voucher for our Digital Concert Hall on site. There, you can access numerous interviews, concerts, and films featuring the Berliner Philharmoniker — including our 2021 concert conducted by John Williams. The tickets for the concerts remain valid. Please note that our general terms and conditions exclude ticket exchanges or refunds. We wish you a wonderful concert evening and thank you for your understanding. Andrea Zietzschmann General Manager oft he Berliner Philharmoniker

[geom_00 92]

3 hours ago, Davis said:

Every day is a gift to John Williams. If he can stay relatively healthy physically and completely healthy mentally, take walks - even with a cane or a wheelchair -, spend time with his friends and family, go out for lunches and dinners, and most importantly, compose music either at home or in his office at Amblin, I think it's more than anyone can wish for him. I think his conducting days are over, especially abroad. Maybe half a show at the Hollywood Bowl or in San Diego and San Francisco. He has absolutely nothing to prove anymore. Risking his health by traveling long distance is unnecessary and dangerous at his age. 

VERY Very well said!

 

[Naboo79 14]

So no refunds, but you get one month free access to their digital concert hall, lol. This feels like a scam, honestly.

[Bilbo 3,998]

3 hours ago, crocodile said:

Well, that is a shame. But, as I said before, it was to be expected. No need to endanger health on my account. I am still going to Berlin for the weekend and will enjoy the music as is, as well as some other attractions in the city. And seeing some old friends too.

 

Hope Johnny makes a full recovery. 🙏

 

Karol

It’s a wonderful city and the music will be great. 

[BB-8 4,958]

More pickiness: 

The thread title needs changing.

[stewe93 0]

I haven't booked accomodation yet and the only reason for me was to see him in person, so I'm selling the tickets for 06.06 Friday, in front of the stage, second row seats 9 and 10, 215 EUR/ticket. If anyone interested, contact me in DM and we will figure out! (Also posted to marketplace but its still pending). The letter states that the tickets are not refundable, but if anyone is successful with a refund process please let me know.

[handz 107]

11 hours ago, BB-8 said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 hours ago, wickerman said:

John Williams had hoped to conduct the Berliner Philharmoniker himself, personally guiding the Berlin audience through the cosmos of his work. Unfortunately, he has been obliged to withdraw from the performance for health reasons. Stéphane Denève, his close friend and musical associate and Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, will conduct in his place.

 

https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/en/concert/calendar/55652/

 

38 minutes ago, stewe93 said:

I haven't booked accomodation yet and the only reason for me was to see him in person, so I'm selling the tickets for 06.06 Friday, in front of the stage, second row seats 9 and 10, 215 EUR/ticket. If anyone interested, contact me in DM and we will figure out! (Also posted to marketplace but its still pending). The letter states that the tickets are not refundable, but if anyone is successful with a refund process please let me know.

I think we all should write them about this.  200+ eur is insane for a concert without JW. 

[Bespin Copilot 9,582]

I see I'm not the only one who thinks they deceive people by not warning them beforehand. We've known since 3 weeks that John Williams is not even able to walk.

 

It's fraud.

[Director of Poltergeist 8,048]

It's not fraud, it's JW's advanced age. I rarely chime in on this stuff because ultimately many members here come off as insanely (literally) selfish and with total disregard for the health of a man who's 90+ years of age and when last we saw him, presumably couldn't even walk. When you're elderly and things go even the slightest bit wrong with your health, it's a big deal.

 

Maybe he shouldn't commit to these kinds of things. That's honestly been my opinion for years. I think he should be retired and relaxing. If that gets in the way of conducting at concerts you bought tickets for or signing off on the latest expansion, so be it. He's better off.