Baltic Sea Philharmonic

The Baltic Sea Philharmonic emerged in 2008 as an international orchestra from the Usedomer Musikfestival and today, more urgently than ever, stands for one central idea: the cultural bond uniting all ten countries of the Baltic Sea region. This year the ensemble returns to Peenemünde — a place once shaped by war — to give voice to the longing for peace.

The concert is conducted by Robert Treviño. The American, who lives in Lithuania, already energised the orchestra last year and now deepens his love for the Baltic Sea region with a Swedish–Russian–German triad. Performing as soloist is the cellist Charlotte Melkonian, only twelve years old. Born in 2013, she is regarded as a true marvel; her playing feels like a mother tongue with which she sweeps her audiences along — whether at Carnegie Hall or the Berliner Philharmonie — like a seasoned virtuoso. As of this year, the Deutsche Stiftung Musikleben supports her with a precious instrument by Stefano Scarampella of Mantua. Together with the Baltic Sea Philharmonic, the 2026 Usedomer Musikpreis laureate will ceremonially open our festival.