The most breathtaking concert hall in the world from an backstage perspective Intimate portraits of artists and staff behind the scenes Guest contributions by Alan Gilbert, former chief conductor of the New York Philharmonic and new chief conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, and Bryce Dessner, classic composer and lead guitarist at The National More than two million concert goers, over ten million guests at the Plaza - the balance sheet of the Elbphilharmonie reads 30 months after its opening in early 2017 more than impressive. No less impressive is the list of stars that have appeared at around 650 concerts a year: world stars such as John Malkovich, Bill Murray, Klaus Maria Brandauer and Rufus Wainwright, classical artists such as Teodor Currentzis, Gustavo Dudamel, Patricia Kopatchinskaya, Daniil Trifonov or Steve Reich, ensembles such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra or the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, outstanding bands such as The National and Kings of Convenience, jazz legend Chick Corea, neo-classic Nils Frahm or New York avant-garde icon Laurie Anderson meet up here. The Hamburg-based photographer Peter Hundert has been allowed to accompany and portray the heroes of this most modern and versatile concert hall in the world since the beginning. He dedicated his work not only to the artists, but also to all those who make music and art happen every single day. His kaleidoscopic portraits and original quotations pay homage to all the protagonists of the house; from the world star to the window cleaner. Peter Hundert gives them a face with BACKSTAGE ELBPHILHARMONIE - and a voice. His images and sounds from more than a hundred shows, rehearsals and soundchecks are authentic, intimate testimonies of the new Hamburg landmark and at the same time a privileged look behind the scenes: no one was as often and as close to the action as Peter Hundert. The photographer casts an inspiring glance at the people who fill this extraordinary concert hall with life and at the same time enter into a very personal dialogue with this special place. Alan Gilbert, principal conductor of the NDR Elbphilharmonie orchestra, and Bryce Dessner, hip composer of contemporary classical music and lead guitarist for the Grammy-winning indie rock band The National, contribute to the project by giving their personal view of the Elbphilharmonie and its significance for the world of culture.