Blaze Breaks Out at Berlin Philharmonie

A fire broke out today at the home of the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra, sending smoke pouring from the roof as firefighters and musicians rushed to save instruments.

The blaze started just after lunchtime as a concert audience was leaving the Philharmonie. About 300 people were evacuated without any panic.

"We don't believe anyone is in danger as the fire appears to be contained to the roof," said Marco Tren, a Berlin fire brigade spokesman.

Musicians were allowed into the building with firefighters to remove instruments from their lockers.

Peter Riegelbauer, a senior orchestra member, said about 50 "priceless" instruments - most of them stringed - had been removed in total, and said there was no risk of damage to any others.

Heavier instruments such as concert pianos were housed below the main concert hall, and were not in immediate danger.

Around 700 people had been due to start rehearsing this afternoon for a performance of Hector Berlioz's Te Deum as part of a series of weekend concerts directed by Claudio Abbado, the orchestra's former chief conductor.

"Thank God the fire broke out earlier," said Pamela Rosenberg, the orchestra's general manager. She said the Philharmonic's archive of music, located in the basement, was not at risk.

A senior fire officer, Karsten Goewecke, said no damage had been caused to the building's interior by water used to douse the flames. He said firefighters were trying to use more foam than water to minimize potential damage.

Police said they were investigating whether welding work carried out on the tin roof earlier in the day had caused the blaze.

The Philharmonie, which was designed by Hans Scharoun and completed in 1963, is regarded by many as one of the world's finest concert halls and is celebrated for its astonishing acoustics.