Die 12 Cellisten der Berliner Philharmoniker, a group of cellists from the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, were formed in 1972 when they performed Julius Klengel's Hymnus for 12 cellos at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. The ensemble was initially organized by Rudolf Weinsheimer and quickly gained international acclaim with their debut concert in Tokyo on August 26, 1973. Their repertoire expanded to include original compositions dedicated to them, notably Boris Blacher's Blues – Espagnola – Rumba philharmonica. Significant collaborations included arrangements by Wilhelm Kaiser-Lindemann and jazz musicians like Till Brönner and Jocelyn B. Smith. The group has released numerous albums, including 12 Cellisten der Berliner Philharmoniker (1976) and 'Round Midnight (2002).
