Arnulf Ballhorn
Arnulf Ballhorn has been a bass player in the orchestra of the Komische Oper Berlin for over 25 years, where he is also involved in chamber music productions and intercultural projects. He had completed his double bass studies with Prof. Rainer Zepperitz, the long-time solo bass player of the Berlin Philharmonic.
Musical preferences are difficult for him to narrow:
In addition to his work in the orchestra, contemporary music and classical chamber music as well as jazz and tango and intensive work with the electric bass are among his basic musical needs. He was inspired by lessons with bassists such as Miroslav Vitouš, Gary Willis and Jonas Hellborg, but also the Glorvigen Trio, the work with the actress and singer Dagmar Manzel and various projects with the vibraphonist Oli Bott always offer new challenges. He regularly plays at international festivals of various musical genres and also runs his own label and studio.
His commitment to the orchestra goes far beyond »normal« service. In the team of Selam Opera and especially in the concepts of the »Opera Dolmuş«, Arnulf Ballhorn was able to contribute ideas and experience.
At some of the Komische Oper Berlin’s sensational festivals in recent years (including the two tango festivals and the festival (Schall&Rausch), various programme components have been significantly designed by him.
As of January 2026
Musical preferences are difficult for him to narrow:
In addition to his work in the orchestra, contemporary music and classical chamber music as well as jazz and tango and intensive work with the electric bass are among his basic musical needs. He was inspired by lessons with bassists such as Miroslav Vitouš, Gary Willis and Jonas Hellborg, but also the Glorvigen Trio, the work with the actress and singer Dagmar Manzel and various projects with the vibraphonist Oli Bott always offer new challenges. He regularly plays at international festivals of various musical genres and also runs his own label and studio.
His commitment to the orchestra goes far beyond »normal« service. In the team of Selam Opera and especially in the concepts of the »Opera Dolmuş«, Arnulf Ballhorn was able to contribute ideas and experience.
At some of the Komische Oper Berlin’s sensational festivals in recent years (including the two tango festivals and the festival (Schall&Rausch), various programme components have been significantly designed by him.
As of January 2026