The Sinfonisches Kammerorchester Berlin was founded in 2019 by Michael Netzker, Thomas Hahn, Philippe Perotto and Thorsten Putscher. The central idea was to create a flexible ensemble whose tonal ideal is characterized by a chamber music and lean playing style that does justice to both the classical-romantic repertoire and contemporary works. Leading musicians from Berlin’s orchestral scene and the city’s independent scene quickly joined in enthusiastically and supported this concept. In December 2019, SKOB made its debut at the sold-out Herz Jesu Kirche in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district. Further concerts were planned for 2020, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most of these projects could not be realized.

The great motivation of the orchestra members led to the Symphonic Chamber Orchestra playing chamber music concerts in 2020. In December of the same year, under the patronage of former Bundestag President Wolfgang Thierse, the orchestra organized a charity concert with singers from the Berlin Radio Choir to benefit the emergency shelter for the homeless in Berlin. The orchestra resumed its activities in summer 2021. In addition to concert collaborations with leading choirs such as the Max Reger Choir Berlin, the orchestra presented its own programs, which increasingly aroused the interest of the public.

In the “Beethoven+” concert series, the ensemble juxtaposes Beethoven’s symphonies with works by contemporary composers. The orchestra has already commissioned four compositions and premiered six works. Today, the orchestra performs in renowned concert halls in the city, including the Konzerthaus and the Philharmonie, but also looks for less accessible performance venues. In addition to its artistic endeavors, the orchestra is involved in educational programs at several Berlin schools.

In the 2024/2025 season, the orchestra will perform a three-part concert series in the Berlin Philharmonie.