The Dresden Philharmonic Friends Orchestra was founded in 2002 on the initiative of concertmaster Wolfgang Hentrich. The orchestra, consisting of members of the Friends, represents a particularly intensive connection between supporters and members of the Dresden Philharmonic and is probably unique in its kind in the German orchestral landscape. The musical direction is in the hands of the First Concertmaster of the Dresden Philharmonic, Prof. Wolfgang Hentrich.
The orchestra usually meets once a month for rehearsals, which culminate in a public concert towards the end of the year.
The composition of the ambitious amateur orchestra is a reflection of the professional diversity of the members of the Friends. It currently has 40 members (strings and winds) and is open to experienced amateur musicians who would like to join the orchestra and the Friends.
The close connection between the Friends and the Dresden Philharmonic is particularly visible in the occasional reinforcement of the orchestra by Philharmonic musicians or in joint performances as part of the "Musical Picnic" in the gardens of Albrechtsberg Palace.