The Dresden Philharmonic Friends' Orchestra was founded in 2002 on the initiative of concertmaster Prof. Wolfgang Hentrich, who is also the artistic director. The orchestra, made up of members of the Dresden Philharmonic Friends' Association, represents a particularly intensive connection between supporters and members of the Dresden Philharmonic and is probably unique in the German orchestral landscape.
The composition of this ambitious amateur orchestra reflects the professional diversity of the members of the Friends' Association. 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 evident in the occasional reinforcement of the Friends' orchestra by Philharmonic musicians or at joint performances, such as the “Musical Picnic”.