Lorenzo Messina Appointed Second Flute and Piccolo of the Berlin Philharmonic

The Berlin Philharmonic has announced the appointment of Lorenzo Messina as its fresh Second Flute and Piccolo player. The 23-year-old Italian musician, a recent graduate of the orchestra’s Karajan-Akademie, secured the position following a competitive audition process.

Early Career and Education

Messina’s musical journey began with studies at the Liceo Musicale G. Verdi and the Conservatorio di musica “G. Verdi” di Milano, where he graduated in 2021. He further honed his skills at the HMDK Stuttgart until 2025. Prior to joining the Berlin Philharmonic, Messina served as Co-Principal Flute with the Norrköpings Symfoniorkester and performed with LaFil – Filarmonica di Milano from 2022 to 2024.

Karajan-Akademie Scholarship

Since September 2024, Messina has been a scholarship holder at the Karajan-Akademie, the Berlin Philharmonic’s prestigious orchestra academy. He received mentorship from Emmanuel Pahud and Egor Egorkin during his time there. Karajan-Akademie provides young musicians with invaluable experience and guidance as they transition into professional orchestral careers.

Audition Process

The appointment follows a series of auditions, with the orchestra noting that this was their fourth attempt to fill the position. Slippedisc reports that the appointment was “much waited news” given the importance of the role and the high standards of the Berlin Philharmonic.

Reaction and Expectations

The Karajan-Akademie celebrated Messina’s success on Facebook, stating, “We are delighted to share that Lorenzo Messina, scholarship holder at the Karajan-Akademie, has won the position of Second flute and Piccolo with the Berliner Philharmoniker. Congratulations!”

Messina’s appointment is subject to a probationary period, a standard practice within the Berlin Philharmonic’s flute section.